I’ll never forget the drive up to Llandudno – a proper British road trip with the sat-nav having a right old tantrum just as we hit the A55. It rerouted us down some winding B-road through the hills, and suddenly we’re crawling behind a sheep farmer’s tractor, late for check-in and me muttering about how I should’ve just followed the signs. But hey, that little mishap turned into a blessing; we stumbled on a tucked-away farm shop selling the creamiest local cheeses I’ve ever tasted. By the time we rolled into Craig Y Don, hearts were light and appetites whetted.

Pulling up to the penthouse-style apartment, I was buzzing with that proper holiday anticipation – you know, the bit where you imagine lazy mornings with sea views and no alarm clocks. First impressions? Spot on. Key fob in hand, we swiped our way up via the lift, and stepping inside felt like unwrapping a treat: a sleek, contemporary setup perfect for me and the missus, with a fully kitted kitchen that screamed “whip up a fry-up here”. On-street parking was a doddle too, and those local shops just a stroll away meant we were stocked with Welsh cakes before we’d even unpacked.

What made the stay magic, though, wasn’t the usual tourist traps like the pier or the tramway – nah, it was the hidden gems we found by pure accident, getting properly lost in the best way. First wander out, we took a “shortcut” along the promenade thinking we’d hit the high street quick. Instead, we veered off into the quieter back lanes of Craig Y Don, ending up at this unassuming pebble beach where locals were skimmin’ stones and nobody else was in sight. Sat there with a thermos of tea from the kitchen, watching the bay glitter – pure bliss, no crowds.

Next day, aiming for the town centre, we got turned around in the maze of Victorian side streets and pitched up at Bodafon Farm. Who knew a working donkey sanctuary was hiding there? We spent an hour feeding the cheeky sods, laughing as one nicked my hat. Felt like we’d gatecrashed someone’s secret spot – turns out it’s a family-run gem, free entry and all. That evening, wandering back via the clifftop paths above the apartment, we lost the trail again (my map-reading skills are comedy gold) and discovered a wildflower meadow with benches overlooking Little Orme. Sun dipping low, gulls wheeling – I had one of those quiet moments, you know? Reflecting on how rushing everywhere back home robs you of this: proper serendipity, just you and the unexpected.

Our last “lost” jaunt took us down to the West Shore, but via a sneaky path through the dunes we’d never have spotted otherwise. Empty sands stretching out, perfect for a barefoot paddle, and a little ice cream van that materialised like magic. No grand plans, just these off-the-beaten-path finds that made the holiday. Back in the apartment each night, cooking up scran from the nearby shops, we’d toast to the joy of not knowing what’s round the corner. Llandudno’s got that knack – get lost here, and you’ll find yourself. Can’t wait to go back and misread the map all over again.