Haverfordwest

Medieval walls still ring this old market town, though they're a bit broken down these days. Haverfordwest sits firmly in the heart of Pembrokeshire, making it a proper base for anyone wanting to explore Wales's wildest coastline without staying right on the beach. The town itself has seen better days - the high street's got that slightly tired look common to many Welsh market towns - but it's functional rather than fancy.

What makes this place work is its position. You're 20 minutes from St David's in one direction, the same to Tenby in another. The Pembrokeshire Coast Path snakes around some of Britain's most dramatic clifftops nearby, and you can reach St David's Head for those cracking coastal walks without too much fuss. Further afield, the mysterious Coetan Arthur Dolmen offers a glimpse into prehistoric Wales, though it's a bit of a trek to reach.

The surrounding countryside rolls in gentle hills down to that famous Pembrokeshire coast. Fields dotted with sheep stretch in every direction, broken by stone walls and the odd farmhouse. It's not spectacular inland, but it's pleasant enough driving country.

Getting here's straightforward enough - the A40 runs right through town, connecting to the M4 if you're coming from England. Regular buses link to Cardiff and other Welsh towns, though having a car makes exploring the coast much easier.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Pembrokeshire Meadows Camping gives you that rural feel while keeping you close enough to nip into town for supplies or a proper pub meal when the weather turns.