I’ll never forget the drive up to Old Colwyn – we’d packed the car to the gills with kids’ beach toys, wellies, and enough snacks to feed a small army, only for the sat-nav to chuck us into a cheeky detour through some narrow lanes that had me white-knuckling the wheel. “Are we lost, Dad?” piped up little Ellie from the back, mid-crisps. Turns out, a cheeky cow had wandered onto the road and caused a bit of a hold-up – classic North Wales welcome, innit? But as we finally crested the hill and spotted the sea twinkling below, all that stress melted away. I was buzzing with that proper holiday anticipation, you know, the kind where you can almost taste the fish and chips already.

Pulling up to our cosy apartment in Colwyn Bay felt like unwrapping a present. It was one of those modern yet comfy spots right in the heart of things – think open-plan living with a kitchen that didn’t scream “holiday let” but actually had everything we needed, from a proper kettle to a dishwasher that saved my sanity. First impressions? Spot on. The views out the window straight to the bay had us grinning like idiots, and within minutes, we were kicking off our shoes and cracking open a cuppa on the balcony.

We settled into that easy family rhythm straight away – mornings kicking off with lazy brekkies of toast and Marmite, then ambling down to Colwyn Bay beach for sandcastle sessions that inevitably turned into epic moat-building disasters. The kids loved splashing about, and I had my moment of gentle reflection watching them: when did they get so big? One minute they’re toddlers needing carrying, next they’re racing waves like pros. Bittersweet, that.

Afternoons were for pottering along to Rhos on Sea – just a short stroll away – where we grabbed ice creams from the little parlours and poked around the quirky shops. The coastal path there is a dream, with those majestic sea views that make you forget the world’s woes. One day we hopped the bus to Llandudno, no more than a few miles off, and proper treated ourselves to the pier. Donkey rides, arcade games, and a show at the theatre – pure nostalgia overload. The little ones went wild on the bumper cars, while I snuck a pint at one of the eateries overlooking the bay. Back at the apartment, we’d whip up simple suppers – pasta nights with the kids “helping” (read: making a floury mess) – that chaotic cottage life vibe we crave on holiday.

Couldn’t resist a wander to historic Conway either, that World Heritage gem just up the road. The castle loomed like something out of a storybook, and we mooched around the harbour, grabbing pasties from independent spots and letting the boys burn off energy on the walls. Golf courses dotted about tempted the hubby for a sneaky nine holes, but we kept it relaxed – no early starts for us.

Evenings wrapped up with board games on the sofa, the sound of waves in the background, and that deep, contented tiredness you only get on a proper break. Old Colwyn nailed it for us – simple pleasures, family giggles, and just enough chaos to make memories stick. Can’t wait to go back.