Conwy

Medieval walls wrap around this North Wales market town like a stone embrace, creating one of Europe's finest fortified settlements. Walking those ramparts offers cracking views across the Conwy Estuary to Anglesey's hills beyond. The castle dominates everything - eight massive round towers that have watched over the harbour for seven centuries.

Down at the quayside, The Smallest House In Great Britain draws crowds despite being just six feet wide. It's properly tiny. More rewarding is the National Trust's Conwy Suspension Bridge, where Telford's elegant ironwork complements the medieval stonework beautifully. The Royal Cambrian Academy of Art showcases Welsh talent, while several smaller galleries like Oriel Dawn and Mytilus Edulis offer local perspectives.

Conwy's high street retains its medieval layout, though it gets quiet midweek outside summer months. The twice-weekly market brings proper life to the town centre. For a pint with history, seek out one of the pubs within the walls - some occupy buildings older than America.

Snowdonia's peaks rise dramatically inland from here. Bodlondeb Park provides green space for families, while the Conwy Cob nature reserve attracts birdwatchers to its mudflats and salt marshes. The train station connects directly to Chester and Manchester, making this surprisingly accessible.

Staying at nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're within walking distance of the walls and castle, yet can escape the day-tripper crowds each evening. Several parks dot the estuary shores, offering everything from glamping at Cwt y Gwenyn to traditional touring pitches. The combination of medieval atmosphere and modern amenities works brilliantly.