Llanrwst Gorsedd Circle

You'll find this stone circle standing quietly on a hillside above Llanrwst, a small market town in the Conwy Valley that most visitors rush past on their way to Snowdonia proper. The Gorsedd Circle isn't huge - it's a modest arrangement of standing stones that dates back centuries, though exactly how many is anyone's guess. What strikes you is the simplicity of it. No café, no visitor centre, no rope barriers. Just stones and views across the valley toward Betws-y-Coed.

It's the sort of place that appeals most to walkers and history types rather than families with small kids - there's nothing interactive about it, and if your lot needs constant activity, you'll be moving on within half an hour. That said, it's a straightforward walk up from the village, and the surrounding hills offer proper walking if you fancy extending the visit.

Free to access and open whenever, which is how these things should be. Allow an hour if you're combining it with a walk, less if you're just after a quick look and some photos. The real draw is that it sits at the edge of Snowdonia's eastern reaches, making it sensible as a stop between Betws-y-Coed and the coast. Maenan Abbey Caravan Park sits just down the road and would be a comfortable base for exploring both this and the bigger attractions nearby. It's not dramatic, but it's genuine - and worth the small detour if you're in the area.