Llanelli

Rugby is religion here. This former tinplate town wears its industrial heritage proudly, though the smokestacks have long since given way to retail parks and the gleaming Parc y Scarlets stadium where the local heroes play. Llanelli sits at the mouth of the River Lliw, caught between the Gower Peninsula to the south and the rolling hills of Carmarthenshire to the north.

The town centre has seen better days, honestly. But venture beyond the pedestrianised shopping streets and you'll find proper countryside within minutes. Mynydd Mawr Country Park stretches across the northern hills, offering brilliant walks through ancient woodland and across open moorland. The views from Mynydd Sylen on a clear day take in the entire Carmarthen Bay.

Llyn Llech Owain Country Park is the real draw for families. This former reservoir turned nature reserve has easy walking trails, a visitor centre, and enough space for the kids to run wild. The water itself is small but perfectly formed, surrounded by the kind of Welsh woodland that makes you understand why the druids loved this place.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the M4 runs right past, and Llanelli railway station connects directly to Cardiff and beyond. It's hardly the prettiest town in Wales, but as a base for exploring the western reaches of the Brecon Beacons or nipping down to the Gower beaches, it works brilliantly.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Mynydd Mawr Woodland Park puts you right in the thick of the countryside while keeping the town's amenities within easy reach. Perfect for those who want wild Wales without sacrificing the odd proper meal or pint.