I’ll never forget the drive up to Llandudno from Manchester – what should’ve been a straightforward two hours turned into a comedy of errors when we hit a massive jam just past Colwyn Bay. The kids were chanting “are we there yet?” like a broken record, and I’d packed one too many snacks, so the car looked like a mobile crisp factory by the time we rolled into Rhos-on-Sea. Still, as we finally parked up, the salty sea air hit us through the open windows, and my heart did a little flip. I’d been buzzing about this trip for weeks, picturing lazy beach days and fish and chips by the prom.

Tucked above an estate agent right in the thick of it, our first-floor apartment was a proper gem – think welcoming seaside vibes with everything you need for a family getaway. We huffed up the stairs with our bags (note to self: pack lighter next time), dumped the coats and sandy wellies in the spacious hallway, and straight away, it felt like home. Three cracking bedrooms up front – a massive king for me and the wife, a twin for the lads, and a cosy family one with a double and single – all kitted out comfy with loads of storage. Perfect for wrangling a family of five without tripping over suitcases.

First impressions? Spot on. It’s only a hop from the Welsh coastline, and we were out the door in minutes, strolling to Rhos-on-Sea beach with its pebbly shores and gentle waves. The kids built epic sandcastles while we sipped tea from a thermos, watching paddleboarders bob about. Lunch was classic: cod and chips from a chippy down the road, eaten on benches overlooking the bay, with seagulls eyeing us up like we were their next meal. Pure bliss, that simple pleasure of greasy paper parcels and salty breezes.

Evenings were cottage-life chaos at its best – cooking spag bol in the well-equipped kitchen, the twins arguing over who got the last garlic bread while the little one smeared sauce everywhere. We’d wander to nearby pubs for a pint (orange juice for the nippers), live music drifting out from places like the Toymaker’s Kitchen, or grab ice creams from the parlour on the prom. One night, we hit the arcades in Colwyn Bay – two quid’s worth of 2p slots turned into an hour of shrieks and minor windfalls. Hilarious watching my other half go full gambler mode over a cuddly toy prize.

The whole vibe was relaxed family magic, those unhurried days where time slows down. A gentle wander along the coastal path to Penrhyn Bay one afternoon had me reflecting – amid the kids’ endless energy, it’s these moments that recharge you, aren’t they? No grand plans, just us, the sea, and a bit of joyful disorder. We left with sandy socks and full bellies, already plotting a return. If you’re after a proper Welsh seaside unwind, this is the spot.