I’ll never forget the drive up to Llandudno last autumn – the leaves were turning that glorious coppery gold, carpeting the A55 like a crunchy welcome mat. Me and my other half were buzzing with that pre-holiday anticipation, dreaming of cosy coastal walks and fish and chips by the sea. But typical me, I took a wrong turn just outside Colwyn Bay, ending up in some narrow lane with sheep giving me the side-eye. Fifteen minutes of mild panic and a sheepdog’s enthusiastic barking later, we were back on track, laughing it off as our first adventure.

Pulling up to the place felt like stumbling into a hidden gem right in the heart of town. It’s this charming ground-floor apartment, perfect for a couple like us seeking a proper coastal unwind. There’s handy off-road parking, which was a godsend with the autumn crowds, and even free on-road spots if you’ve got extra wheels. Stepping inside, I was gobsmacked by the period details – those original encaustic tiles underfoot, elegant sash windows framing the crisp sea air, soaring ceilings with intricate coving, and chandeliers that twinkled like they were in on the magic. It blended old-school charm with all the mod cons we needed, like a cracking Wi-Fi signal and a kitchen that didn’t skimp on the tea-making facilities. Small dogs are welcome too, but we left our spaniel with the folks this time.

Autumn in Llandudno shaped everything in the best way. The season’s mellow light turned the Victorian promenade into a postcard scene, with the Great Orme looming misty and mysterious across the bay. We’d stroll along the pier first thing, the air sharp with that briny tang, grabbing doughnuts from the stall that somehow taste better when the wind’s whipping off the Irish Sea. No summer hordes meant we had the West Shore beach almost to ourselves one afternoon – we crunched through fallen leaves on the path, then kicked off our shoes for a windy paddle, the waves frothy and chilled but invigorating.

Evenings were pure bliss, wrapped in the apartment’s glow. We’d cook up a storm with local treats from the market – pumpkin soups and hearty Welsh rarebit, using herbs from the window box that thrived in the mild October sun. One night, we wandered to the high street for a pint at a snug pub, the streets alive with Halloween lanterns flickering early. Back home, under those chandeliers, we’d binge a box set, the sash windows cracked open to the sound of distant waves.

Reflecting on it now, that little mishap en route was a reminder to slow down – autumn’s all about savouring the quiet moments, isn’t it? Llandudno in fall felt like the town was whispering secrets just for us, from the russet cliffs to the glowing sunsets over the bay. If you’re after a proper escape without the bustle, this is your spot. We’re already plotting a return for next year’s leaf-peeping.