Kidwelly

A proper medieval castle keeps watch over the River Gwendraeth as it winds through this small Carmarthenshire town. Kidwelly feels delightfully unhurried, with its Norman fortress dominating the skyline and narrow streets that still follow their ancient patterns. The castle itself is magnificent - one of Wales's finest examples of concentric fortification, with walls that seem to grow straight from the bedrock.

Just a short drive brings you to some spectacular coastal scenery. Cefn Sidan stretches for miles along Carmarthen Bay, a vast expanse of golden sand that's brilliant for long walks when the tide's out. Saint Ishmael Beach offers a quieter alternative, with the Parish Church of Saint Ishmael standing sentinel nearby - worth a peek for its Norman stonework.

Inland, the landscape shifts to rolling hills and patches of woodland like Allt Cwm-lansiad and Allt y Fran, perfect for rambles when you fancy escaping the coast. For something completely different, the Sepecat Jaguar museum celebrates the area's aviation heritage with displays of the famous fighter jet.

Getting here couldn't be easier. The A484 runs straight through town, connecting Kidwelly to Carmarthen (12 miles northeast) and Llanelli (15 miles east). The railway station sits on the Heart of Wales line, though services are a bit patchy midweek.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. Pembrey Country Park Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite puts you right next to the beach and country park, while Parkdean Resorts Carmarthen Bay Holiday Park offers family facilities. The location works brilliantly as a base for exploring both the Gower Peninsula to the east and Pembrokeshire's coast to the west.