Caernarfon

Medieval walls still encircle this fortress town where Edward I built his most imposing castle in 1283. Caernarfon's massive towers and polygonal walls make it one of Britain's finest examples of military architecture, though the town itself has moved well beyond its conquering past. Welsh is heard as often as English on the cobbled streets, and the Saturday market brings proper local character to Castle Square.

The castle dominates everything here - and rightly so. It's where the Prince of Wales traditionally receives his investiture, most recently Prince Charles in 1969. But step beyond the tourist crowds and you'll find a working town that serves the surrounding Gwynedd countryside rather well. The quayside area has been smartened up considerably, though it's still got that slightly windswept feel that comes with being this close to the Menai Strait.

Venture into the hills and you'll discover why this area attracted ancient settlers long before the Normans arrived. Dinas Dinlle Hillfort offers cracking views across to Anglesey, while Craig y Dinas Hillfort shows how the landscape has been shaped by centuries of human habitation. The surrounding forests - Coed Pen-y-bythod and Coed Henryd among them - provide excellent walking, though they can be muddy after rain.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The A487 runs right through town, connecting to the A55 for those coming from England. Bangor is only 8 miles northeast if you need a proper shopping centre or railway connections. Staying at one of the nearby parks like Glan Gwna Holiday Park or Coed Helen Holiday Park puts you perfectly placed for castle visits while keeping accommodation costs sensible compared to town centre hotels.