Swansea

Twenty minutes from Swansea city centre, this corner of the Gower Peninsula sits where suburban Wales meets proper countryside. The area around the SA4 postcode feels refreshingly unhurried - more village green than urban sprawl, despite being well within the orbit of Wales' second city.

Gowerton serves as the main hub here, complete with its own railway station linking directly to Swansea and beyond. It's one of those places that still has a proper high street feel, though admittedly it's seen better days. The real draw isn't the town itself but what lies just beyond - you're perfectly positioned for exploring both the stunning Gower coastline and the rolling Welsh countryside inland.

Penyrheol adds a bit more suburbia to the mix, with decent facilities including the leisure centre and theatre. But honestly, most visitors use this area as a launching pad for bigger adventures. You're just a short drive from Three Cliffs Bay, one of the most photographed beaches in Wales, and the wild expanses of the Gower's northern coast.

Staying at one of the holiday parks around here makes perfect sense. Places like Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park put you right on the doorstep of some of Wales' most spectacular coastal scenery, while spots like South Wales Touring Park offer easy access to both countryside walks and city attractions. The M4 runs close by, so day trips to Cardiff or the Brecon Beacons are entirely doable.

This isn't a destination in itself, really. But as a base for exploring the Gower Peninsula - with its dramatic cliffs, golden beaches and ancient castles - you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere more convenient.