Holyhead

Iron-grey seas crash against rugged cliffs here, where Wales meets the Irish Sea in spectacular fashion. Holyhead sits on Holy Island, connected to Anglesey proper by a causeway - though most visitors barely notice the transition as they thunder through on their way to Dublin ferries.

That would be their loss. This working port town has proper character, shaped by centuries of maritime trade and still very much alive with it. The harbour buzzes with activity beyond just the Stena Line terminals. Local fishing boats bob alongside pleasure craft, and the lifeboat station keeps busy in these temperamental waters.

South Stack lighthouse stands sentinel on the westernmost point, reached by a dramatic cliff-top walk that'll leave your ears ringing from the wind. The RSPB reserve here draws birdwatchers in their droves - puffins and razorbills nest in the cliff faces during summer months.

Breakwater Country Park offers gentler walking along the Victorian breakwater, a massive feat of engineering that took nearly 30 years to complete. The views across to the Wicklow Mountains on clear days are frankly stunning.

Getting here's straightforward - the A55 runs directly from Chester, about 90 minutes by car. Trains terminate at Holyhead station, conveniently placed for both ferry passengers and anyone wanting to explore further.

Staying at one of the nearby caravan parks makes perfect sense for exploring Anglesey's western reaches. You're well-placed for both the coastal path adventures and quick escapes to quieter beaches when the crowds descend on the main tourist spots around Beaumaris and Menai Bridge.