Rhyl

Forget everything you think you know about traditional seaside resorts. Rhyl has spent the last decade quietly reinventing itself from the slightly tired bucket-and-spade destination it once was. The seafront now features an impressive collection of wildlife sculptures - the Kingfisher Sculpture, Grey Heron Sculpture, and Toad on Lilypad among them - that make for a proper outdoor art trail along the coast.

The beach itself stretches for miles, backed by the Victorian grandeur of Rhyl Clock Tower and modern additions like the Rhyl Events Arena. Adventure Park provides family entertainment, though the real draw here is simply the expanse of sand and the views across to Anglesey on a clear day. Central Station puts you within easy reach of the rest of North Wales, while the train connection means you're not stuck if the weather turns.

Just offshore, history buffs will be intrigued by the wreck of the City of Ottawa, marked by the Red Buoy and Green Buoy - a reminder that this coastline has claimed its share of vessels over the centuries. The WW1 Practice Trenches offer another slice of military history, showing how this stretch of coast was used for training during the Great War.

Basing yourself at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring the wider Conwy area. You're close enough to nip into town for fish and chips or a pint, but far enough out to enjoy the quieter countryside. The rail connections from Rhyl station mean day trips to Conwy Castle or even Snowdonia are easily manageable without the hassle of parking in busy tourist spots.