Narberth

Artists and artisans have turned this former railway town into one of west Wales' most creative corners. Narberth's high street buzzes with independent shops, galleries and cafes housed in Victorian terraces that once served the now-vanished Great Western Railway. The town wears its bohemian credentials lightly - no forced quirkiness here, just genuine character.

Folly Farm Adventure Park and Zoo sits on the outskirts, making this a proper family destination. The surrounding countryside rolls gently towards the Pembrokeshire coast, with Llanteg Park offering peaceful woodland walks just minutes from town. White Peak provides cracking views across the Daugleddau estuary on clear days.

Saundersfoot and Tenby beaches lie 15 minutes south by car. Both are proper seaside resorts, but Narberth gives you the best of both worlds - coastal access without the summer crowds and parking headaches. The town's restaurants punch well above their weight too, with several earning regional recognition.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The A40 runs right past, connecting to the M4 at Haverfordwest. Carmarthen is the nearest big town, about 45 minutes northeast. For those wanting to explore both coast and countryside, staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for dinner, yet positioned to reach different beaches each day without the faff of coastal accommodation booking.