Haverfordwest

Market day on Saturday transforms this county town into something properly lively, with stalls sprawling across the Georgian streets and locals catching up over coffee. Haverfordwest sits where the Western Cleddau river meanders through Pembrokeshire's rolling countryside, its castle ruins keeping watch over stone bridges and narrow lanes that climb steeply from the water.

The town itself is refreshingly unpretentious - independent shops line the high street, proper pubs serve decent grub, and you won't find coach loads of tourists clogging up the pavements. It's the sort of place where you can actually park without drama and grab what you need before heading out to explore the coast.

Speaking of which, the Pembrokeshire Coast Path is right on your doorstep. Dale Beach lies just west, where the Milford Haven waterway opens to the sea, while Castle Beach offers a more sheltered spot for families. The coastline here is all about dramatic headlands and hidden coves - St Ann's Head Lighthouse marks the entrance to one of Britain's finest natural harbours, and viewpoints like Cobbler's Hole reward the short trek with cracking sea views.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the A40 runs straight through from Carmarthen, and there's a decent train service from Cardiff. Little Haven and Dale are both within a twenty-minute drive, making this an excellent base for exploring without the seaside premium.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Beachside Glamping Dale or Broad Haven Holiday Park puts you perfectly placed for both coast and countryside. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies or a proper meal, yet far enough out to wake up to birdsong rather than traffic.