Parc Caerelwan

Start stays hereabouts with a trip into Barmouth, four miles from base. The pretty seaside resort has a beach and promenade to stroll along, and guests who are keen to explore further afield can head to the station to catch trains up and down the Welsh coast, or can secure a spot on the ferry for a quick crossing to Fairbourne. Fans of water-based activities will certainly want to catch that ferry (or make the 35-minute drive around the Mawddach) – the beach at Fairbourne is home to windsurfing, and boats can be caught from the town for sea and fishing excursions. Tastes for surfing tickled by attempts in Fairbourne? Travel to Adventure Parc Snowdonia an hour and 15 minutes away to have a go on the artificial waves. Guests lured in by the fishing, on the other hand, should travel to Cregennan Lakes (40 minutes) for fly and worm fishing. If historical explores more fit the bill, start 15 minutes away with Harlech Castle, the site of the longest siege in British history (a whopping seven years), before heading on to the famed and spectacular Portmeirion (30 minutes), an Italian-style village built in one fell swoop in the early 20th century, recognisable from shows including the Prisoner, Doctor Who and Cold Feet.