Cardigan

Three words: proper Welsh market town. Cardigan sits where the River Teifi meets the sea, and it feels like a place that's been doing its own thing for centuries without much fuss. The castle ruins loom over everything - what's left of them anyway - while the town centre revolves around a compact high street that still has independent shops alongside the usual suspects.

St Pedrog's church anchors the old part of town, though you'll also spot Capel Siloam if you're wandering the quieter streets. The River Teifi is Cardigan's real draw though. Coracles still bob about, and the town's famous for its Saturday market that's been running since medieval times. Don't expect anything flash - this is working Wales, not tourist Wales.

Cardigan Bay stretches out beyond the town, and you're only minutes from some cracking coastal walks. The Ceredigion Coast Path runs right past, taking you to places like Mwnt Beach - a proper sweep of sand that's often empty midweek. Ogof Filast cave sits tucked away in the limestone cliffs if you fancy a bit of exploring underground.

Getting here's straightforward enough - the A487 runs right through town, connecting you to Aberystwyth up the coast and Haverfordwest to the south. Cardigan's the kind of place that works well as a base. Close enough to the coast for daily beach trips, far enough inland to explore the Teifi Valley.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're within striking distance of both the coast and the market town, and there's enough variety - from basic camping at places like Nantycroy to more comfortable stays at Cardigan Bay Holiday Park - to suit most tastes.