I’ll never forget the drive to Llandudno – or rather, the detour that nearly turned it into a comedy of errors. We’d piled into the minivan from Manchester, kids buzzing with excitement, me promising epic beach days ahead. But halfway there, sat-nav lost its marbles on those twisty Welsh lanes near Colwyn Bay, sending us down a dead-end farm track. Mud everywhere, sheep staring us down like we’d crashed their party. A quick reverse and a sheepish laugh later, we were back on track, hearts racing a bit faster, but that anticipation building – visions of crashing waves and proper family chaos in a cracking seaside spot.

Pulling up to this massive, dreamy coastal escape in Rhos-on-Sea was pure magic, though. Just 500 metres from the golden sands, it’s the kind of place built for huge families like ours – sleeps 34 across 13 bedrooms, with a swimming pool, cinema room, and games suite that had the lot of us grinning like idiots from the off. First impressions? Spot on. Luxe but lived-in, endless entertainment without feeling flashy. We dumped the bags and straight into the pool, salt air wafting in from the Irish Sea.

But the real joy? Stumbling on hidden gems by pure accident – the off-the-beaten-path spots that make you feel like you’ve cracked some local secret. First morning, we wandered from the sands toward Llandudno, about two miles away, but took a wrong turn down a shady path by the headland. Ended up at this tucked-away cove, barely a soul around, perfect for paddling and sandcastles without the crowds. The kids went wild building a fortress taller than me, while I sipped tea from a thermos, watching the sun dance on the water. Pure bliss.

Later, aiming for Conway’s medieval fortress – just 5.5 miles up the road – we got gloriously lost in the winding lanes of Rhos-on-Sea’s Victorian village. Thank goodness, because it led us to a forgotten prom corner with sea views that stretched forever, and a tiny ice cream kiosk run by the sweetest old chap. He reckoned it was his “secret spot” for watching dolphins – and blow me, there they were, arcing through the waves. We laughed about our rubbish sense of direction over 99s with raspberry sauce.

Even a jaunt to Colwyn Bay, only a few miles along the coast, turned serendipitous. Parked wrong, ended up hiking a scrubby cliff path we’d never have found otherwise. Up top, panoramic hits of the sea and those moody mountains, with wildflowers everywhere. The games suite back at the property was ace for rainy evenings – pool tournaments and movie marathons – but these accidental finds? They stole the show.

Reflecting on it now, over a quiet cuppa, I reckon getting lost was the best bit. In a world of Google Maps, there’s something dead satisfying about letting the lanes lead you. No grand plans, just us lot, the sea, and those unexpected treasures. If you’re after a Welsh getaway that feels like your own discovery, this corner of Conway’s got it in spades. Can’t wait to “lose” ourselves there again.