Llanrwst

The old market square feels properly Welsh, with its Tudor inn and stone bridge spanning the Conwy. Llanrwst sits in the heart of the valley like a town that hasn't quite decided whether it's still the 15th century or not. The narrow streets wind past whitewashed cottages and traditional Welsh shops, while the hills rise steeply on both sides.

Tudor Cottage claims to be one of the finest examples of its kind in Wales, and it's hard to argue when you're standing in that cramped, timber-framed interior. The town's real draw though is its position. Walk ten minutes in any direction and you're among proper mountains.

Trefriw Woollen Mill is still working exactly as it did generations ago. The water-powered machinery clatters away, producing Welsh blankets and tweeds that feel substantial in your hands. It's a bit of a trek up from the town centre, but well worth it for anyone interested in traditional crafts.

For walkers, the peaks around here are stellar. Moel Eilio offers cracking views across to Snowdonia without the crowds, while Llyn Cowlyd sits in a dramatic cwm that feels utterly remote. The train station connects you to the Conwy Valley Railway - a lovely way to see the countryside if your legs need a rest.

Staying at Conwy Valley Touring Park puts you right in the thick of it. The site sits beside the river with direct access to walking trails, and Llanrwst is an easy stroll away. From here you can explore the whole valley without moving your base - the mountains, the coast at Conwy, and all the market towns in between.