I’ll never forget the drive up to Conway last autumn – the leaves were turning that gorgeous coppery gold, carpeting the A55 like nature’s own welcome mat. Me and the family piled into the car from Manchester, kids buzzing in the back with crisps and iPads, while I blasted a playlist of old Welsh folk tunes to get us in the mood. But about halfway, disaster struck: a cheeky flock of sheep decided to stage a sit-in right on the carriageway near Colwyn Bay. Proper North Wales style – horns honking, farmer waving his crook like a conductor, and us stuck for 20 minutes. I was fuming at first, but then we got chatting to the locals in the queue, and it turned into a right laugh. By the time we escaped, the delay had us arriving bang on golden hour, sun dipping low over the Irish Sea, and my anticipation was through the roof.

Pulling up to our holiday cottage on the outskirts of Abergele, between Pensarn and Towyn, I was gobsmacked. It’s this bright, contemporary ground-floor spot, perfect for six of us, blending sleek modern vibes with proper homely cosiness. Stepped inside to an airy open-plan living area – plush sofas begging you to flop down, a telly for footie nights, and a feature fire that screamed autumnal bliss. The kitchen’s a dream, all shiny and equipped to the hilt with a breakfast bar for my morning brews, flowing into a sunny conservatory-style dining spot where we’d gather for meals. First impressions? Spot on. It felt like instant sanctuary after the road drama.

Autumn shaped every bit of our stay, turning what could’ve been a standard break into pure magic. Mornings started misty over the dunes at Pensarn Beach, just a short stroll away – we’d wrap up in coats and wellies, crunching through fallen leaves along the promenade while the sea whispered secrets. The cooler air made beachcombing feel adventurous; we hunted for crab shells and driftwood, kids pretending they were pirates raiding a foggy Conway Bay. One day, we wandered to Towyn for fish and chips from a hut right by the shore – grease-proof paper flapping in the brisk wind, eaten on the sand as gulls circled hopefully. The season’s chill sharpened the taste, salt and vinegar hitting different when your cheeks are rosy from the breeze.

Evenings were all about that fire crackling away, roasting marshmallows we’d nicked from the local Spar in Abergele. We’d play board games in the conservatory, golden light fading to twilight through the windows, while I sipped hot chocolate laced with a splash of Baileys – don’t tell the kids. A gentle wander into town one afternoon took us to the edge of Conway’s medieval walls, their shadows long in the low sun, but we kept it local, popping into a café for bara brith that melted in the mouth, all fruity and spiced for the time of year.

Reflecting on it now, that sheep hold-up was a blessing in disguise. Autumn’s mellow hues and crisp edge stripped away the summer crowds, letting us breathe deep and reconnect – no rushing, just us and the coast’s quiet rhythm. If you’re after a proper unwind along North Wales’ stunning stretch, chase those golden weeks. We’re already plotting a return.