Cardigan

The River Teifi loops lazily through this market town, creating a proper Welsh valley atmosphere that's both workaday and relaxed. Cardigan sits where the river meets the sea, though you'd hardly know it from the town centre - the real coastal drama happens further south along the Ceredigion coast.

Internal Fire - Museum of Power provides an unexpectedly fascinating hour, showcasing vintage engines and industrial heritage. But most visitors use Cardigan as their jumping-off point for the stunning coastline. Tresaith delivers everything you'd want from a Welsh beach - golden sand, reliable waves, and a waterfall tumbling directly onto the shore. Traeth Penbryn Beach runs for miles when the tide's out, while the smaller coves like Traeth Penloin offer more intimate seaside moments.

Disgyn Dŵr Cenarth Falls, just upstream, draws crowds for good reason. The salmon leap here during autumn runs, and the old mill wheel still turns. It's a proper spectacle after heavy rain.

Getting here requires commitment - the A487 winds through farmland from both north and south, and the nearest train station is Carmarthen, a good hour's drive away. That isolation works in Cardigan's favour though. The surrounding countryside feels genuinely undiscovered, with ancient sites like Caer Pwntan scattered across the hills and chapels like Blaenannerch dotting the valleys.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're within striking distance of multiple beaches, the town's amenities are close enough for supplies, and you can explore the Teifi Valley properly without the rush of day-tripping.