Builth Wells

Royal Welsh Show fever grips this mid-Wales market town every July, transforming sleepy streets into a livestock metropolis for a week. But Builth Wells deserves attention beyond its agricultural credentials. The town sits where the River Wye cuts through rolling hills, creating a proper gateway to the Cambrian Mountains.

Wander up from the river and you'll find a compact centre that feels refreshingly unpolished. The Victorian architecture speaks to grander times when this was a spa destination, though these days it's more about outdoor pursuits than taking the waters. St Dubricius overlooks the action from its hilltop perch, while down by the bridge, anglers work the pools that made this stretch of the Wye famous.

Venture beyond town and the landscape opens into something special. Mynydd Fforest rises to the south, offering cracking views for those prepared to make the climb. The forests of Darren Wood and Back Wood provide gentle walking, while the numerous pools - Ireland Pool, Henllyn, and Llan Bwch Llyn among them - dot the surrounding hills like scattered mirrors.

Llywelyn's Cave adds a touch of legend to proceedings. Local stories link it to Wales' last prince, though whether he actually sheltered here is anyone's guess.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A470 runs right through town, connecting to Brecon in the south and Rhayader to the north. It's roughly twenty miles from either, making Builth Wells a sensible base for exploring central Wales. Several holiday parks lie within striking distance, from luxury pods at Great House Farm to more traditional camping at Penmaenau Farm, giving you options whether you want glamping comfort or back-to-basics pitches.