I’ll never forget the drive over to Anglesey last weekend – we’d timed it for that perfect shoulder season pocket in early autumn, when the summer crowds have thinned out but the leaves are just starting to turn those gorgeous coppery shades. Me and my partner piled into the car from Cheshire, full of that buzzy anticipation, dreaming of lazy beach walks and proper downtime. But halfway across the Britannia Bridge, disaster struck: a rogue flock of sheep decided to stage a sit-in on the road. Proper North Wales welcome, that was – us stuck for 20 minutes, laughing at the farmer herding them like it was a comedy sketch. By the time we rolled up, we were starving and a tad frazzled, but boy, those first impressions? Magic.

Pulling into this charming apartment tucked away in the Anglesey countryside felt like stepping into a crisp, golden postcard. It’s the sort of place that sleeps two cosily, dead ideal for couples after a quiet getaway, surrounded by wide-open fields where free-ranging ducks and chickens mooched about like they owned the joint. Early autumn wrapped it all in this soft, hazy light – mist rolling off the pastures in the mornings, turning everything ethereal. Walking distance to Cymyran beach, we discovered straight away, and with RAF Valley just nearby, the odd roar of a Hawk jet overhead added a thrilling buzz without spoiling the peace.

Inside, it was spot on for unwinding after that drive. The open-plan setup meant we could potter in the well-equipped kitchen – that Rayburn oil cooker was a dream for knocking up hearty stews with the seasonal veg we’d grabbed from a local farm shop. Fridge stocked with cider, kettle on for endless cups of tea, and the sitting area with its telly and Wi-Fi was perfect for rainy afternoons when the autumn showers kicked in. The double bedroom was snug, and the walk-in shower scrubbed off the travel grime in no time.

The season really made it, though. Those early autumn days were mild enough for coastal rambles – we’d stroll down to Cymyran, boots crunching through damp sand and seaweed, watching oystercatchers dart about under skies that flipped from blue to brooding in minutes. One afternoon, we timed it just right for low tide, paddling in rock pools alive with crabs, the sea air sharp with that briny tang that only hits in cooler months. Evenings, we’d light up the Rayburn, sip hot chocolate, and listen to the wind rustling the fields outside, feeling miles away from the world.

Mind you, I had a right daft moment on day two – got overexcited chasing a photogenic duck across the field in my wellies, only to slip in a puddle of mud and end up looking like a swamp monster. Partner couldn’t stop giggling, and I had to laugh too; it was one of those reminders that holidays are for letting go, mud and all. No pretence needed here.

A gentle self-reflection hit me on our last morning, sat with coffee overlooking those dew-kissed fields as the sun burned off the mist. In the rush of everyday life, I forget how restorative these quiet spots are, especially in autumn when nature’s winding down and inviting you to do the same. We left feeling utterly recharged, already plotting a return for next year’s leaf-peeping. If you’re after that proper rural escape with a seaside twist, Anglesey in early autumn is pure gold.