I’ll never forget the drive over to Anglesey – we’d packed the car to bursting with kids’ beach toys, the dog’s lead, and enough snacks to feed a small army, only for the sat-nav to chuck us into a cheeky detour down a narrow lane that had me white-knuckling the wheel. “Are we lost already?” my wife laughed, while the little ones cheered from the back like it was some grand adventure. But as we crested the hill into Marian-glas, all that stress melted away. There it was, our contemporary ground-floor apartment perched in a raised spot between Benllech and Moelfre, with those cracking countryside views stretching out like a proper Welsh postcard. First impressions? Spot on – we couldn’t wait to chuck our bags down and crack open a brew.

Stepping inside felt like a warm hug. The open-plan living space was light and airy, just begging for us to sprawl out. The kitchen was kitted out brilliantly – I whipped up some bacon butties in no time, while the kids claimed the plush sofas in front of the Smart TV, already plotting their cartoon marathon. It’s pet-friendly too, which was a godsend with our bouncy labradoodle, who immediately made herself at home by nicking a sock. Off-road parking meant no faffing about with street spaces, and being so close to the beaches had us buzzing.

The next few days were pure family bliss, the sort of relaxed break where time just slips by in the best way. We wandered down to Benllech beach, a mile away, for sandcastles and paddles in the shallows – the kids built a fortress that rivalled the real castles we’ve seen on telly, though it collapsed spectacularly when the dog charged through it. Laughing about that later over fish and chips from the local takeaway, I couldn’t help but reflect on how these simple moments are what I miss in the daily grind. No grand plans, just us lot messing about, collecting cockles and watching the waves.

One afternoon, we ambled over to Moelfre, just a couple of miles up, for a mooch around the harbour. The lifeboat station there’s fascinating – we chatted to a volunteer who regaled us with tales of rescues, while the little ones poked about the pebbles. Back at the flat, evenings were cosy chaos: board games that descended into giggles (Monopoly with kids is basically organised cheating), and me attempting Welsh cakes in the kitchen – they weren’t half bad, if I say so myself. The views from the windows were mesmerising at sunset, hills rolling off into the distance, making you feel miles from anywhere, yet everything we needed was on the doorstep.

It wasn’t all smooth sailing, mind. The kids’ energy levels outstripped ours by day three, leading to a hilarious meltdown over who got the last ice lolly. But that’s cottage life for you – a bit of joyful pandemonium amid the calm. Pulling away on the last morning, I felt that gentle pang of self-reflection: why don’t we do this more often? Anglesey’s got that magic for recharging the batteries, blending lazy beach days with those unexpected family memories. If you’re after a chilled-out escape with the clan, this neck of the woods is pure gold. Can’t wait to go back.