Conwy

Towering medieval walls wrap around this 13th-century stronghold like a protective embrace, making Conwy one of Britain's finest examples of a planned medieval town. The magnificent castle, built by Edward I, dominates the skyline with its eight massive round towers - a proper fortress that's seen centuries of Welsh history unfold.

Walking the town walls takes about half an hour and gives cracking views across the estuary towards Anglesey. The ramparts are remarkably complete, running for three-quarters of a mile around the old town. Below, narrow streets wind between ancient buildings, including what's claimed to be Britain's smallest house - though at just six feet wide, you'll need to queue to peek inside.

Conwy's position on the North Wales coast makes it brilliant for exploring Snowdonia. The A55 whisks you here from Chester in under an hour, while the railway station sits right beneath the castle walls - proper dramatic arrival. Llandudno's Victorian seafront is twenty minutes east, while the mountain passes of Snowdonia begin just inland.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks gives you the best of both worlds. Gorse Hill Caravan and Lodge Park and several others dot the area around town, offering peaceful bases away from the summer crowds that pack the castle car parks. The estuary setting means many parks have water views, and you're close enough to walk into town for evening meals at the harbourfront pubs.

Beyond the castle, Conwy's working harbour still brings in fishing boats, and the RSPB reserve at the estuary mouth draws serious birdwatchers. It's not the prettiest town in North Wales, but few places pack so much genuine history into such a compact space.