Betws-y-Coed

Stone cottages cling to hillsides where the River Conwy rushes through narrow gorges, creating one of Wales' most atmospheric mountain villages. The Victorian railway brought tourists here over a century ago, and little has changed - this is still the gateway to Snowdonia proper, where serious walkers come to tick off the surrounding peaks.

You won't find theme parks or flashy attractions here. Instead, there's Carnedd y Filiast looming to the north and Moel Gydia offering cracking views eastward. The village itself feels properly Welsh - slate roofs, sturdy bridges, and the sort of outdoor shops that stock proper walking boots rather than fashion trainers.

What makes this place work is its position. Snowdon's a 20-minute drive south, while the Conwy Valley stretches north toward the coast. Gylchedd and Pen Ffridd-Sarn provide decent day walks without the crowds you'll find on the bigger mountains. The railway station connects directly to the coast, making car-free exploring entirely possible.

Conwy Valley Touring Park sits just outside the village and gets consistently good reviews from folk who know their camping. It's well-placed for both mountain walks and coastal trips - Conwy's medieval walls are 15 minutes down the valley.

Midweek, the place quiets right down. Weekends bring the crowds, particularly in summer when parking becomes a proper nightmare. But early mornings remain yours alone, with mist rising off the river and the peaks emerging from cloud like something from a fairy tale.