I’ll never forget the drive up to North Wales last month – me, my wife Sarah, and our two lads, Jack and Tom, crammed into the car with enough snacks to feed a small army. We’d set off from Cheshire full of beans, blasting out some classic Oasis tracks, but about halfway there, disaster struck. The satnav decided to throw a wobbly and directed us down a narrow lane that turned into a muddy track. Hearts in mouths, we reversed out with the kids giggling in the back, covered in crisp crumbs. “Dad’s a rubbish explorer,” Jack quipped. Typical family chaos, but it had us laughing by the time we hit the A55.

Pulling into Kinmel Bay just as the sun dipped low over the Irish Sea, I felt that proper holiday buzz – you know, the one where worries melt away? The place exceeded expectations right off the bat. It’s this cracking holiday park spot, perfect for couples, mates or families like ours, smack in the centre of everything. Two minutes’ stroll to the beach, and two minutes the other way to all the park’s amenities – arcade, little shops, even a playground that kept the boys busy for hours. Our accommodation was cosy and spot-on, with that welcoming vibe that screams “kick back and relax.”

First morning, we wandered down to the sands, toes in the cool Irish Sea waves, building wonky sandcastles that inevitably collapsed under Tom’s enthusiastic digging. “It’s a castle apocalypse!” he yelled, and we all cracked up. Simple joys, eh? Afternoons were for lazy park pottering – grabbing fish and chips from the on-site spot (proper crispy batter, none of your soggy nonsense), then a gentle amble along the promenade. Sarah and I nipped off for a quiet pint at the beach bar while the lads burned off energy on the swings. No grand plans, just that easy rhythm of sea air and family banter.

One evening, we tried our hand at a beach barbecue – sausages charring nicely until I nearly set the windbreak alight fumbling with the lighter. Sarah rolled her eyes: “You’re a liability, love.” Cottage life chaos at its finest, but moments like that make you stop and think. Sat there with the waves lapping and stars popping out, I had a quiet reflect – we’re so busy rushing about back home, aren’t we? This break reminded me to savour the small stuff: salty chips, kids’ laughter, her hand in mine. No Instagram perfection needed.

We even squeezed in a short walk to nearby Towyn for ice creams and a peek at the donkeys on the beach – pure nostalgia. By the end of the week, we were tanned, knackered and blissed out. If you’re after a chilled family couple’s escape in North Wales, this corner of Kinmel Bay is spot on. Can’t wait to go back – minus the satnav saga, mind.