I’ll never forget the drive up to Llandudno from Manchester – it was one of those classic British road trips where everything starts off promising but then throws a cheeky spanner in the works. I’d packed the car with crisps, a thermos of tea, and my walking boots, buzzing with anticipation about finally hitting the North Wales coast. The sat-nav was bang on until we hit a massive tailback just past Colwyn Bay, courtesy of some roadworks that turned a two-hour journey into three. By the time we crawled along the promenade, I was humming along to the radio to keep my sanity, dreaming of sea views and fresh air.

Pulling up to our second-floor luxury duplex apartment overlooking the sparkling Colwyn Bay and Rhos-on-Sea waterfront felt like a proper reward. It’s this newly built gem, all sleek modern vibes mixed with quirky art deco touches, right in walking distance of the beach and local shops. We hauled our bags up the stairs (note to self: pack lighter next time), and stepped into the huge open-plan living space on the second floor – balcony doors flung open to that salty breeze. First impressions? Spot on. It screamed relaxation, perfect for our little group of mates needing a seaside escape.

The weather gods were smiling on day one: bright blue skies, not a cloud in sight. We laced up and headed straight out for a gentle promenade stroll along Rhos-on-Sea beach, waves lapping at our feet, gulls wheeling overhead. It was pure bliss, picking up fish and chips from a nearby takeaway for a balcony picnic. But oh, the British weather – it’s got a mind of its own. By morning two, the forecast had flipped to grey drizzle, so our planned clifftop hike along the Wales Coast Path got a rethink. Instead, we donned waterproofs and embraced the mizzle, wandering the shorter headland trails right from the front door. Laughing at my soggy socks, we spotted seals bobbing in the bay – a happy accident that made the damp worth it.

Day three brought a dramatic turnaround: sun bursting through, wind whipping up just enough for that exhilarating edge. We tackled the Little Orme hike, a cracking 3-mile loop with jaw-dropping views over Llandudno Bay and the Great Orme in the distance. The path twisted up grassy slopes, past wildflowers and curious sheep who eyed us like we were intruders. At the top, we paused for selfies, wind-tousled hair and all, feeling on top of the world. Back at the apartment, that open living area was heaven for drying off and sharing stories over tea.

Of course, not everything was Instagram-perfect. One afternoon, a sudden downpour mid-walk along the West Shore beach path turned us into drowned rats, scrambling for cover under a pier. Hilarious now, but I did have a quiet moment there, leaning on the balcony railing later, cuppa in hand, reflecting on how these weather-whipped adventures remind you life’s not about flawless plans. It’s the soggy laughs and spontaneous detours that stick. Llandudno delivered in spades – we’re already plotting our return for more coastal wanders.