I’ll never forget the drive up to our holiday cottage near Llandudno last June – the satnav decided to play silly buggers just as we hit the A55, sending us on a detour through some winding lanes that had me gripping the wheel like it was a lifeline. We’d left Manchester full of beans, dreaming of sea breezes and lazy days, but ended up laughing through a sudden downpour that turned the windscreen into a watery blur. Still, by the time we crested the hill towards Eglwysbach, the sun was peeking out, and there it was: our cosy little stone cottage, nestling right by the village with its welcoming pub just a stone’s throw away. First impressions? Spot on. It had that perfect quaint charm, all low doorways and flower-filled window boxes bursting with early summer colour – I could already picture us kicking back with a cuppa on the patio.

June in North Wales is pure magic, isn’t it? The season wrapped everything in this soft, golden light that made even the simplest walks feel like stepping into a painting. We arrived buzzing with anticipation, and it didn’t disappoint – the air was thick with the scent of blooming gorse and wildflowers, turning the countryside into a riot of yellows and purples. First morning, we laced up our boots for a gentle stroll around Eglwysbach, the paths alive with butterflies and birdsong. It was one of those moments where you realise how daft it is to spend weekdays cooped up in an office when places like this exist. A bit of gentle self-reflection over my morning coffee: maybe I need more of this in my life, eh?

A quick five-minute drive took us to Conway, that stunning World Heritage spot with its massive castle looming like something out of a fairy tale. In June, the town walls were draped in greenery, and the independent shops spilled out onto the streets with stalls selling fresh strawberries and local cheeses – we scoffed a punnet while wandering the fishing harbour, watching boats bob in the calm estuary. The eateries were buzzing too, but nothing beat a pint and a ploughman’s at the village pub back home, with the sun dipping low enough to cast long shadows over the hills.

We got our cycling legs going on the magnificent back lanes, pedalling past hedgerows heavy with honeysuckle – the warm weather made it effortless, though I’ll admit I puffed up the steeper bits, blaming it on the pasties from the Welsh Food Centre. For a thrill, we headed to the RSPB Reserve nearby, binoculars at the ready; June’s the time for warblers and fledglings, and we spotted a kingfisher darting along the river – pure joy. Even a spot of river fishing had that seasonal glow, with the water sparkling under the long evenings.

The highlight? Bodnant Gardens, just a short hop away. That famous laburnum arch was in full, drooping glory, a cascade of golden flowers you could walk right under – it’s only like that in May and June, and we timed it perfectly. Wandering those paths, with bees humming and the sun filtering through laburnum petals, felt like nature’s own welcome mat. Sure, there were a few midges at dusk, but that’s summer for you – a tiny price for days that stretched on forever. Our week flew by, but coming home with sun-kissed cheeks and a head full of memories? Worth every detour. If you’re after a proper Welsh escape, grab it in June – you won’t regret it.