Pen Parc

Pen Parc works well for couples or families of four looking to balance mountain walks with seaside days. The cottage sits in southern Snowdonia, close enough to the Gwynedd coast that you could reach Tywyn's beach and shops within two miles, or push on to Aberdovey for a livelier resort feel. The village itself has a pub 200 yards away and the Talyllyn narrow-gauge railway station nearby if you fancy a heritage-railway outing.

Inside, there are two bedrooms—one with a zip-and-link super king (which splits into singles if you need them), the other a double—and two bathrooms. The ground floor has a living room with a 32-inch smart TV and electric woodburner, a dining room, and a kitchen equipped to cook proper meals. A sun room adds flexible space. Essentials like electricity, wi-fi, bed linen and towels are covered, and there's a travel cot and highchair if you need them. Outside, an enclosed lawned garden with patio looks onto the grounds; parking takes two cars, and a bike store is provided for exploring the many trails in the area. One well-behaved pet stays free. The property does have a spiral staircase and steps in the garden, which matters if mobility is a concern.

From here, the Mawddach Trail and walks around Barmouth are within reach, and the national park itself opens up everything from waterfalls to woodland. Tywyn is the nearest town for everyday needs.