Coed y Croesau

The forest floor here is soft underfoot, springy with decades of fallen needles and decomposing leaves. Coed y Croesau sits just inland from Colwyn Bay, a proper working woodland rather than some manicured visitor attraction with coffee shops and twee signage. You get woodland walks through mixed trees, birdsong, and that particular quiet you only find under a thick canopy.

It's the sort of place to spend an hour or two wandering rather than ticking off a list. Families with kids who can manage uneven ground will find it decent enough - there's space to explore without massive crowds, though it won't keep teenagers entertained for long. History buffs might be interested that this corner of Conwy has been forested for centuries, though there's not much interpretation on site to explain that. Walkers appreciate the woodland paths as a break from coastal tramping.

Since there's no admission charge and it's freely accessible, it slots nicely into a caravan park stay at either Maenan Abbey or Plas Farm - both are close enough for a morning or afternoon leg-stretch between the beach and wherever you're parked. Don't expect facilities. Bring proper shoes because the paths get boggy, especially after rain. Worth visiting if you're in the area and fancy something green and quiet, but plan this as a supporting activity to bigger attractions rather than your main draw. Best visited in spring and autumn when you won't overheat under the trees.