Brynaerau Chapel

You'll find Brynaerau Chapel tucked into the Gwynedd countryside a few miles from Caernarfon, and it's one of those places that rewards a bit of effort to track down. The chapel itself is a modest stone building with genuine Welsh character - the sort of place that feels properly remote even though civilisation isn't far away.

It's a straightforward visit for anyone interested in rural Welsh religious architecture or local history. There's not a great deal of ceremony to it: you turn up, have a look around the exterior and interior if it's open, and soak in the quiet. Don't expect gift shops or interpretation boards. What you get instead is the real thing - a working community chapel that's been doing its job for centuries without needing to jazz itself up for tourists.

Historically minded visitors will find it worthwhile, though families with young children might find the lack of activity a bit thin. Walkers passing through the area could easily make it part of a longer route. As for timing, allow 20 minutes unless you're doing proper research into the building itself. There's no entrance fee that we're aware of, but do check locally before you head out, as access can be unpredictable.

If you're camping nearby - and Aberafon and Gyrn Ddu are both excellent spots within four miles - this makes a gentle half-hour ramble from base. It's the sort of detour that gives you actual Wales rather than the postcard version.