Cardigan

The River Teifi winds through this ancient market town where coracles still bob beside the old stone bridge. Cardigan doesn't put on airs - it's a proper Welsh town where locals still speak Welsh on the high street and the smell of freshly baked bara brith drifts from family bakeries.

Three castles dot the surrounding landscape, but it's Cilgerran Castle that steals the show. Perched dramatically above the Teifi, this National Trust stronghold offers cracking views across the river valley. The Welsh Wildlife Centre makes for a brilliant afternoon, especially with kids who love the otter pools and woodland trails.

Beyond the town centre, the countryside opens into some of Wales' finest walking territory. Coedmor National Nature Reserve protects ancient woodlands where red kites circle overhead, while peaks like Banc Y Warren reward hikers with sweeping coastal views. The beaches at Mwnt and Poppit Sands lie just a short drive away - proper sandy stretches without the crowds you'd find further east.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. The A487 runs straight through town, connecting Cardigan to Aberystwyth in the north and Haverfordwest to the south. Regular buses link the town to surrounding villages, though having a car opens up the spectacular Ceredigion coast.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks puts you right in the thick of it. Cardigan Bay Holiday Park and several camping sites offer easy access to both the town's independent shops and the wild landscapes beyond. You're perfectly placed for day trips to Pembrokeshire's coastal path or the Cambrian Mountains - two very different but equally stunning Welsh experiences.