Aberystwyth

Students hurry past Victorian terraces with bags full of books, while the pier stretches into Cardigan Bay like a weathered finger pointing west. Aberystwyth wears its dual identity as university town and seaside resort with surprising grace - term time brings energy and buzz, while summer holidays see families claiming the pebble beach.

The seafront promenade runs the length of the bay, backed by pastel-coloured guesthouses that have seen better days but still do a proper job. Behind the town, the Cambrian Mountains rise in gentle green waves, dotted with peaks like Hen Gaer and Ffynnon Caradog that offer cracking views across the coast. It's not dramatic countryside, but there's something deeply satisfying about these rolling hills.

Fancy a bit of fresh air? The forests around Gogerddan and Coed Porthangel make for decent walks, while Gogerddan Picnic Site is well placed for families. The archaeological site at Carreg Llwyd hints at older stories, though you'll need to use your imagination - these ancient stones don't give up their secrets easily.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The A44 drops you right into town from the Midlands, while Bow Street station connects to the main rail network. It's about 40 minutes from Machynlleth if you're coming from the north.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around Aberystwyth makes perfect sense. Clarach Bay Holiday Village sits right on the coast, while others like Aber Bay Holiday Park give you easy access to both the seafront and those forest walks inland. You're never more than a few minutes from either a proper Welsh breakfast or a paddle in the bay.