Caernarfon

The ancient walls of Caernarfon Castle still dominate this North Wales town, their honey-coloured stone a stark reminder of Edward I's iron grip on medieval Wales. This isn't just another tourist trap - it's a proper working Welsh town where you'll hear more Cymraeg than English on the high street.

Caernarfon's medieval heart beats strongest around Castle Square, where the 13th-century fortress meets the modern world with surprising grace. The town's location on the Menai Strait gives it serious maritime credentials, and the harbour area still buzzes with fishing boats and pleasure craft. Beyond the castle walls, the narrow streets reveal independent Welsh shops, proper pubs, and cafes that haven't been sanitised for the coach tour crowd.

Snowdonia's peaks loom large on the horizon. GreenWood Family Park offers family fun with a distinctly eco-friendly twist, while Tyddyn Mawr Golf Club provides a challenging round with mountain views that'll distract from your swing. History buffs might seek out the Former ROC Nuclear Monitoring Post, a Cold War relic that adds an unexpected layer to the area's story.

Getting here's straightforward - the A487 connects Caernarfon to the wider North Wales coast, while the town serves as a natural gateway to both Snowdonia National Park and Anglesey. The Welsh Highland Railway terminates here too, bringing steam-powered romance to your arrival.

Using one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're ideally placed for day trips into Snowdonia's heart while having the coast practically on your doorstep. After a day conquering Snowdon or exploring Anglesey's beaches, you'll appreciate having a peaceful base to return to rather than fighting for town centre parking.