Aberaeron

Pastel-painted Georgian houses line the harbour front like a box of Quality Street. This planned town, built in the early 1800s, remains one of west Wales' most photogenic spots - though thankfully it hasn't let the tourist trap tendencies ruin its authentic fishing village charm.

Aberaeron sits where the River Aeron meets Cardigan Bay, creating a proper working harbour that's still got character. The colourful terraces weren't some Victorian whimsy - they were built this way deliberately by Reverend Alban Gwynne, who wanted his new town to stand out. It worked.

Cardigan Bay stretches endlessly westward, while inland the rolling Ceredigion countryside offers proper Welsh hill walking. Families will find The Moody Calf Play Barn a godsend on rainy days, and Llain Activity Centre keeps the adventurous types busy with outdoor pursuits. For something completely different, Cardigan Bay Karting provides a bit of speed away from the seaside stroll.

The harbour front gets busy during summer weekends, but midweek you'll have those famous ice cream shops mostly to yourself. Llwyncelyn Chapel, tucked away from the main drag, offers a quieter glimpse into local history for those who fancy a wander.

Getting here means the A487 coastal road - it's about 40 minutes south from Aberystwyth. The nearest rail connection is Lampeter, roughly 20 miles inland, so you're better off driving. Staying at one of the nearby parks like Haven Quay West Holiday Park or Aeron Coast Caravan Park puts you within easy reach of both the coast path and the market town of Lampeter for supplies and a proper pub lunch.