Plas Brondanw Tower

Climbing up to this Welsh folly feels like stepping into a Gothic novel. The tower rises from the hillside overlooking Croesor valley, built as part of Clough Williams-Ellis's architectural experiments long before he created Portmeirion. From the top, you get sweeping views across to Snowdonia's peaks and down to the Glaslyn estuary.

History buffs will appreciate the Arts and Crafts movement connections - Williams-Ellis designed the gardens here in the 1920s as a romantic landscape. The tower itself is properly dramatic, all stone arches and careful positioning to frame the mountain views. Photography enthusiasts often make the trek just for the vantage point.

Expect a decent walk to reach it - this isn't a quick roadside stop. The path from Talsarnau can be muddy after rain, and you'll want proper walking boots. Allow at least an hour each way, longer if you're stopping to admire the carefully planned garden terraces along the route.

Families staying at nearby sites like Beddgelert Campsite or Haven Greenacres Holiday Park often combine this with a day exploring the Croesor valley. The kids might grumble about the uphill slog, but the tower makes for brilliant hide-and-seek once you arrive. Best visited on clear days when the Snowdon massif isn't shrouded in cloud - otherwise you're climbing for very little reward.