Colwyn Bay

Victorian grandeur meets Welsh mountains in this proper seaside town that's held its own against the modern world. The wide promenade stretches for miles, with views across Colwyn Bay to the peaks that rise like sleeping giants beyond the shore. This isn't one of those sanitised resort towns - it's got character, rough edges included.

Bodnant Garden nearby is absolutely worth the trip. This National Trust jewel sits in the Conwy Valley, famous for its laburnum arch that drips gold each May. The terraced gardens tumble down towards the mountains, and on clear days you can spot several peaks from the upper levels - Cefn Du and Bryn Eglwysbach among them.

The surrounding landscape is brilliant for walkers. Mynydd Esgair-Ebrill offers cracking views without being too much of a slog, while Bryniau Gleision rewards the effort with panoramas that stretch to Snowdonia proper. Coed Nant Geneth provides gentler woodland walks when the weather's being awkward.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A55 runs right past, and the train line connects to Chester and beyond. Llandudno's just down the coast if you fancy a change of scene, though Colwyn Bay has its own quieter appeal.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for fish and chips or a pint, but far enough out to wake up to proper Welsh countryside. The Conwy Valley parks put you right in walking territory, while the coastal sites give you that sea air without the seafront prices.