Llandeilo

Three castles sit within sight of each other here, testament to centuries of border warfare between Welsh princes and Norman lords. Llandeilo feels properly Welsh - Welsh voices echo from the cafés along King Street, and the Towy Valley stretches away in every direction like a green embrace.

Dinefwr Castle crowns the hill above town, its crumbling walls offering cracking views across the valley. The castle grounds merge seamlessly with Dinefwr Park, where white-painted Dinefwr House stands rather smugly among ancient oaks. Down at the Deer Park Viewing Platform, you might spot the famous white cattle that have grazed here since medieval times.

Grongar Hill provides the best walk for miles around. The climb's a bit of a slog, but the panorama from the summit takes in half of Carmarthenshire. Gelli Aur Country Park offers gentler rambles through woodland, while Vicarage Wood provides a proper escape into deep forest.

The town itself punches above its weight. Independent shops line the streets, and the Saturday market draws folk from surrounding villages. St. Cathan's Church sits at the heart of it all, solid and reassuring.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the train from Cardiff takes just over an hour, depositing you right in the town centre at Llandeilo station. From here, you're perfectly placed to explore the Brecon Beacons to the east or the coast at Carmarthen Bay, just 40 minutes south.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for dinner, yet surrounded by some of Wales' most unspoiled countryside. The Towy Valley feels like a secret that not enough people know about.