I’ll never forget the drive up to Llandudno that crisp October morning – the sat nav decided to have a little tantrum just as we hit the A55, rerouting us through some cheeky back lanes near Colwyn Bay that had me white-knuckling the wheel in the drizzle. We’d left Manchester full of beans, dreaming of cosy firesides and autumn walks, but that minor detour had us arriving a tad later than planned, with the windscreen wipers doing overtime. Still, as we pulled into the driveway of this tucked-away first-floor apartment on the outskirts, right on the main road towards Llandudno and Conway, my heart lifted. The place looked ever so inviting from the outside, promising a proper seasonal snuggle-up spot amid North Wales’ turning leaves.

Parking was a doddle, and after a quick climb up to the entrance, we stepped inside to brilliant first impressions. The lounge hit us first – that plush settee was calling our names after the drive, with a telly perfect for settling in with a cuppa and the footy. The kitchen was a gem too, kitted out with all the bits you need for rustling up a stew or just a cheese toastie, which felt spot-on for the cooler months when you fancy staying in. October’s mellow light filtered through the windows, casting a golden glow over everything, and I could already picture lazy evenings there as the days shortened.

We wasted no time heading out, the autumn season shaping every moment beautifully. Llandudno’s pier was just a short hop away, and with the sea mist rolling in off the bay, it was magical – fewer crowds than summer, but still that nostalgic arcade buzz. We munched on hot doughnuts from a stall, the sugar melting in the chill breeze, laughing as the seagulls eyed us up like pros. The Great Orme loomed nearby, its slopes ablaze with fiery reds and oranges; we took a gentle tram ride up for panoramic views, the October sun breaking through just enough to warm our faces while we huddled in coats. Down on the beach, the tide pools sparkled under weak rays, and we skimmed stones, feeling that rare kid-like joy as the waves crashed with a fresh, bracing tang.

Evenings back at the flat were pure bliss, thanks to the time of year. We’d cook up hearty casseroles in that well-equipped kitchen – root veg from a local market near Conway, slow-simmered with the windows cracked to let in the salty air. Cosying up on the settee with blankets and a binge-watch felt like the perfect antidote to the darkening nights; one evening, as rain pattered the roof, I had a quiet moment of reflection, stirring my tea and thinking how these shorter days make you appreciate the simple warmth of good company and a solid roof over your head. No rushing about, just proper downtime.

A stone’s throw from Bodafon Farm Park, we popped over for a family-friendly wander among the animals, the autumn foliage crunching underfoot and the kids delighted by pumpkin patches that screamed seasonal cheer. It was all so quintessentially Welsh coast in October – invigorating walks along West Shore where the dunes whispered in the wind, followed by cream teas in tearooms lit by fairy lights against the early dusk. That little mishap on the journey faded fast; this spot nailed the off-peak magic, blending adventure with that heartfelt hygge vibe. If you’re after a North Wales escape when the leaves are falling, you couldn’t go far wrong here.