I’ll never forget the drive up to our little holiday spot near Llandudno – we’d packed the car to the brim with snacks, wellies, and enough board games to last a nuclear winter, only for the sat-nav to chuck us into a massive traffic jam just past Colwyn Bay. Picture this: me, swearing under my breath (silently, mind, for the kids’ sake), while my other half blasts out some terrible 90s pop to keep spirits up. Half an hour later, we’re crawling along like snails on a salt lick, but honestly, it only added to the anticipation. By the time we turned off onto those winding country lanes towards Betws yn Rhos, I was buzzing – proper escape-from-the-grind vibes.

Pulling up to the cottage, my first thought was, “Blimey, this is proper idyllic.” It’s this cosy spot on a small holding, with the owner’s thoughtful touches everywhere – fresh flowers on the table, a stack of local guidebooks, that sort of thing. We dashed up to the pretty first-floor bedroom with its en-suite shower room, bags dumped in a heap, and straight out through the patio doors to the enclosed garden. The views? Elevated across the rolling countryside, with sheep dotted about like fluffy clouds. And there, tucked away, was the hot tub – our ticket to bliss under those clear Welsh night skies. Ground floor cloakroom sorted any muddy-boot emergencies too. It slept us comfy, though we could’ve had mates join via that other ref they mentioned, up to eight in total.

First morning, we cracked open tea and toast, listening to the birds and the distant bleat of lambs – total cottage chaos already brewing when the youngest decided to “help” with breakfast by scattering Weetabix everywhere. Laugh? We howled. No rush, no schedules; we mooched down to nearby Abergele for a wander along the promenade, picking up fish and chips wrapped in newspaper, the sea breeze whipping our hair. Back at base, it was hot tub time – bubbling away as the sun dipped, stars popping out like someone flicked a switch. Pure magic, that.

Days blurred into gentle pleasures: a stomp up to the woods behind the holding for blackberrying (resulting in more stains than jam), lazy barbecues on the patio with sausages from the local butcher, and evenings playing cards till we nodded off. One night, we even spotted bats flitting about – kids were mesmerised. There was this gentle moment of self-reflection for me, sat there with a brew, watching the family lark about. Work stress? Miles away. Realised how these simple, chaotic bits – the spilled cereal, the wonky barbie flames – are what stitch us tighter than any fancy holiday.

We left with full bellies, fuller hearts, and a promise to return. If you’re after a relaxed couple’s break with a dash of family madness, this Welsh gem near Llandudno’s just the ticket. Proper home from home.