Crazy Pheasant

Active types will be in heaven here; you can try white-water rafting on the River Dee near Llangollen (25 minutes’ drive), go mountain biking in Llandegla Forest (20 minutes), or play golf (15 minutes). Hike from the car park to the ruined fortified tower on the peak at Moel Famau (20 minutes), and admire the rugged landscapes in Waun-Y-Llyn Country Park or Nercwys Forest (both 15 minutes). On a trip into Eryri (formerly Snowdonia) National Park (an hour), you can explore a Victorian quarry at the National Slate Museum (an hour and 20 minutes), and dangle from zipwires at Zip World Llechwedd (an hour and 10 minutes) or Zip World Fforest (55 minutes). If that’s not for you, head for the Roman walls and Tudor architecture of Chester (half an hour), and browse its indie shops while you're there. And if you’re longing to paddle in the sea, make for the sandy swathe of Rhyl beach (45 minutes) or the quiet beach at Barkby (40 minutes), while family-friendly Prestatyn beach (45 minutes) is backed by amusement arcades and cafés.