Kilgetty

Railway tracks still cut through the middle of this Pembrokeshire village, though the steam trains that once brought Victorian holidaymakers have long gone. Kilgetty sits in a quiet valley between the Preseli Hills and the coast, making it a proper base for exploring some of Wales' finest countryside without the tourist crowds.

The village itself won't detain you long - St Leonards Church anchors the small centre, and there's not much else beyond a few houses and the old station building. But that's rather the point. This is gateway country to Pembrokeshire's big attractions, all within striking distance.

Tenby's Georgian terraces and harbour are just six miles south, while the dramatic coastline around Saundersfoot beckons from the same distance. Head north and you'll reach the mystical Preseli Mountains, where ancient burial chambers dot the landscape and wild ponies roam freely. The A477 cuts right through Kilgetty, making car journeys to anywhere in southern Pembrokeshire refreshingly straightforward.

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo sprawls just outside the village - one of Wales' top family attractions with everything from vintage fairground rides to African animals. It's the sort of place that keeps children occupied for a full day, though the queues in summer can be murder.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Bluestone Resort or Folly Farm Holiday Park means you're perfectly positioned for coastal day trips while avoiding Tenby's extortionate accommodation prices. Evening returns to Kilgetty's peaceful valley feel like coming home after the seaside bustle.