Llandysul

Market town atmosphere meets proper Welsh countryside in this Teifi Valley spot that feels refreshingly unpolished. The River Teifi winds through Llandysul's heart, and you'll find a working town rather than one dressed up for tourists - which makes it all the more genuine. Local shops line the main street, and on market day the place comes alive with proper community bustle.

Within striking distance lie some of Ceredigion's finest coastal stretches. Llangrannog Beach sits just a few miles west, backed by dramatic cliffs and the historic St Carannog Church perched above. The smaller Cilborth Beach and Traeth yr Ynys offer quieter alternatives when the main strand gets busy during school holidays. Each has its own character - Llangrannog for facilities and rock pools, the others for solitude.

History buffs should make time for Pendinaslochdyn and the Ynys Lochtyn Defended Enclosure, both fascinating archaeological sites that hint at this coastline's ancient past. The Saint Carannog gallery provides a more contemporary cultural fix between beach visits.

Getting here means heading inland from the A487 coastal route - Cardigan sits 15 minutes south and handles the bigger shopping needs. The countryside around Llandysul rolls through proper farming territory, with the Teifi creating a green corridor that's particularly lovely in late spring.

Staying at one of the local holiday parks puts you perfectly placed for both coast and countryside. Wild Meadow Camping and Brynawelon Touring & Camping Park offer good bases within easy reach of those beaches, while Greenfields Holiday Park provides another option for exploring this less-visited slice of west Wales without the Pembrokeshire crowds.