Luxury self-catering accommodation in Conwy

Holding a great vantage point at the mouth of the River Conwy, this busy estuary town holds World Heritage Site status for its majestic 13th century castle perched high above the waters, welcoming visitors into its old stone walls year on year. Those who reach the fortified gateways are rewarded with a panoramic sweep of lush green countryside, and the sight of boats going about their business on the waters below. Boat-lovers cruise into town for the annual river festival: two July weekends of racing, yachting and general boating enjoyment.

Snowdonia's glorious national park begins on Conwy's doorstep: 823 square miles of forests and valleys spreading south into mid-Wales. Betws-y-Coed is a popular place to kit up, with sports shops lining the river: stock up here on anything you might have missed packing, then enjoy a bite in the handful of eateries around town. About an hour's drive south into the heart of the park, various routes take walkers to the summit of Snowdon. You can of course just enjoy the slopes from a picnic in the foothills, the view upwards being equally stunning.