Penmaenmawr

Mountains loom on three sides here, creating a natural amphitheatre that makes this North Wales town feel both sheltered and dramatic. The granite quarries that once employed hundreds have left their mark on the landscape - terraced scars that catch the light at sunset and remind you of the area's industrial past.

Penmaenmawr sits snugly between Conwy and Llanfairfechan along the A55, making it a proper gateway to Snowdonia's northern reaches. The town beach stretches for miles when the tide's out, though it's more stones than sand. Still, it's a cracking spot for a walk with the Menai Strait glittering beyond.

Foel Lus rises directly behind the town centre - a steady climb that rewards you with views across to Anglesey on clear days. The mountain feels wild despite being so close to the coast road. Most visitors rush past on their way to Snowdon, which is their loss.

Getting here couldn't be easier. The train from Chester takes just over an hour, and there's a station right in town. By car, you're 45 minutes from Llandudno and barely 20 from Bangor. The coastal path links directly to Conwy Castle if you fancy a longer walk.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense if you're planning to explore both coast and mountains. You're close enough to Betws-y-Coed for serious hiking, yet the sea's on your doorstep. Conwy's medieval walls are a short drive east, while Anglesey's beaches lie just across the water to the west.