Caernarfon

Those massive castle walls rising from the waterfront aren't just for show - they've been dominating the Menai Strait for over 700 years, and they still make quite the entrance to this proper Welsh fortress town. Edward I knew what he was doing when he picked this spot, with water on three sides and the mountains of Snowdonia providing a dramatic backdrop that hasn't changed much since medieval times.

The town itself sprawls beneath the castle's shadow, a mix of sturdy stone buildings and more modern additions that somehow don't jar too badly with the ancient stonework. Castle Square buzzes with life most days, though it can feel a bit quiet come evening when the day-trippers head home. The narrow streets climbing away from the water are worth a wander, especially if you fancy a pint in one of the local pubs that actually serve locals, not just tourists.

For something different, Plas Menai down on the waterfront offers watersports if you're feeling energetic, while the more contemplative might appreciate Llanfair Fortress Church - though don't expect crowds there. The real draw, though, is the setting itself. Those views across to Anglesey are cracking on a clear day.

Getting here's straightforward enough - the A487 runs right through town, and it's about 8 miles southwest of Bangor if you're coming by train. Having a base at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of Gwynedd. You're within easy reach of Snowdonia's peaks, Anglesey's beaches are a short drive across the bridge, and you can explore the castle walls without fighting for parking every morning.