Aberystwyth

Students from the university give this seaside town its buzz, while the Welsh language flows naturally through its streets and cafés. Aberystwyth sits where the Rheidol meets the sea, creating a proper university town atmosphere that's refreshingly real rather than touristy.

The Victorian seafront stretches along Cardigan Bay, complete with a working pier that's seen better days but retains its charm. Behind the town, the Cambrian Mountains rise dramatically - you can catch the Vale of Rheidol Railway up to Devil's Bridge, or drive to Nant yr Arian for cracking views across the valley. The red kites here put on quite a show during feeding time.

Outside term time, the place quiets down considerably. That's when you really appreciate the surrounding countryside - Coed y Gwmryn offers decent woodland walks, while the twin lakes of Llyn Pendam and Llyn Rhosgoch provide peaceful spots for a picnic. More ambitious hikers can tackle Craig Y Pistyll or Banc Y Gwmryn for proper mountain views.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A44 brings you in from the east, while the railway still connects to Birmingham if you fancy the scenic route. It's about 40 minutes inland to Rhayader, putting you right in the heart of mid-Wales.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You get the best of both worlds - easy access to the town's pubs and the National Library of Wales, plus quick escapes to the mountains when the student revelry gets a bit much. Clarach Bay Holiday Village puts you right on the coast, while the glamping options scattered around give you mountain views to wake up to.