Llanfairpwllgwyngyll

Those 51 letters aren't just a publicity stunt - they represent the longest place name in Europe, and the railway station here still bears the full moniker that translates roughly as 'The Church of Mary in the Hollow of White Hazel Trees Near the Rapid Whirlpool and the Church of Tysilio with a Red Cave'. The Victorian-era name extension was dreamed up to give the station the longest railway station name in Britain, and it worked.

Menai Strait stretches out below this small Anglesey community, with the iconic suspension bridge providing spectacular views across to Snowdonia's peaks. The original name, Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll, is perfectly manageable and refers to the local St Mary's Church. Walking the surrounding area reveals why this spot was chosen for settlement centuries ago - rolling countryside dotted with ancient woodland.

Vaynol Wood and the numerous coverts like Boathouse Covert and Porthwell Covert create a green patchwork across the landscape, ideal for gentle walks between the village and the water's edge. The Waterloo Cavalry Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into military history, while St Edwen church provides a quieter moment of reflection.

Reaching the village is straightforward via the A4080 from either direction along Anglesey, with Bangor just 10 minutes across Thomas Telford's suspension bridge on the mainland. The A55 provides swift connections to Chester and beyond.

Using one of the local holiday parks makes perfect sense here. You're positioned to explore both Anglesey's stunning coastline and venture easily into Snowdonia National Park. The Menai Strait offers water sports opportunities, while the island's beaches are all within easy driving distance. It's a proper base for discovering this corner of Wales without the crowds you'll find at more obvious tourist hotspots.