Betws-y-Coed

Standing at the confluence of three valleys, this compact stone town has been Wales' unofficial outdoor capital since Victorian climbers first discovered its charms. Betws-y-Coed draws serious hikers and casual walkers alike, though the main street can feel swamped with coaches come summer weekends. The crowds thin dramatically by Wednesday afternoon, leaving you free to properly explore.

St Michael's Church anchors the town centre, its 14th-century walls a welcome contrast to the outdoor gear shops lining the high street. Pop into the Conwy Valley Railway Museum for a dose of local history - it's small but well curated. The real draw, though, lies beyond the town boundaries.

Mynydd Garthmyn offers decent views without the slog of Snowdon, while Llyn y Parc makes for an easy family walk. Adrenaline junkies should head straight for Tree Top Adventure and its Skyride experience. The Plummet zip line isn't for the faint-hearted.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The A5 cuts right through town, and there's a proper train station on the Conwy Valley line. Parking in town gets tight during peak season - another reason to base yourself at one of the nearby parks.

Staying at Conwy Valley Touring Park puts you within easy striking distance of both Snowdonia's peaks and the coast. You're perfectly positioned for day trips to Conwy Castle or the beaches around Llandudno, yet close enough to slip back into town for supplies or that excellent Welsh rarebit at the Royal Oak. The surrounding peaks of Pen Uchaf Gwydyr and Mynydd Bwlchyrhaearn provide endless walking options right from your doorstep.