Penmaenmawr

The granite quarries above this Welsh coastal town tell you everything about Penmaenmawr's gritty character. This isn't your typical seaside resort - it's a working town that happens to sit between the dramatic Menai Strait and the brooding peaks of Snowdonia. The Penmaenmawr Promenade stretches along the shoreline, offering uninterrupted views across to Anglesey and the Irish Sea beyond.

Conwy sits just eight miles east, making this stretch of the North Wales coast brilliantly accessible yet refreshingly uncommercial. The town itself feels properly Welsh - none of the tourist tat you'll find in busier resorts. Instead, you get honest cafes, local pubs, and that lovely sense of a place getting on with life rather than performing for visitors.

Snowdonia's foothills rise dramatically behind the town, with proper hiking trails leading up into the mountains within minutes of leaving the high street. The coastal path in both directions rewards walkers with cracking views and relatively quiet stretches of shore. Bangor lies 12 miles southwest, while Llandudno's Victorian grandeur sits 15 miles east for when you fancy something more polished.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around the area makes perfect sense. You're close enough to Conwy Castle and the Snowdonia peaks for day trips, yet far enough from the crowds to enjoy some peace. The train line runs right through town, connecting you to Chester and Manchester beyond - handy for those arriving without a car. It's an honest base for exploring North Wales without the tourist premium.