The underrated Welsh town perfect for a winter break

Conwy county has a lot to offer - from Conwy town itself and its castle, to the Victorian promenade of Llandudno, from the rolling hills of its valleys to its quaint little villages of Betws-y-Coed and Beddgelert. However, Llanfairfechan doesn't always make it onto that list.

Nestled between the mountains and the sea along the A55, this town, home to around 4,000 residents, is an ideal spot to explore during the autumn and winter months. If you're in search of a seaside location with a touch of history, then Llanfairfechan is your destination.

Historians tell us that people have inhabited the area now known as Llanfairfechan for at least 7,000 years, dating back to the Neolithic period. The town underwent significant transformation in the 1800s when large tracts of land were sold to regular visitors to the area. Find out about the latest events in Wales by signing up to our What's On newsletter here

READ MORE:I'm A Celeb line-up in full as sporting legend pulls out of ITV show for third time

READ MORE:Family-run Indian restaurant named the best in Wales

A retired solicitor from Leicester, named Mr Richard Luck North, bought the land known as Plas, while Mr John Platt, MP for Oldham and reputedly the world's wealthiest textile merchant at the time, purchased the Bryn Y Neuadd Estate.

The arrival of these two families sparked development in the area. In 1845, construction began on a railway line from Chester to Holyhead, opening up new trade routes and boosting tourism to the seaside town.

Both affluent individuals played a significant role in shaping the town, contributing to the development of land, buildings, schools and housing estates. Their efforts also ensured that piped water supply was accessible to homes in Llanfairfechan.

Llanfairfechan is a place that has always held its history close. Even today, it proudly features a boating lake and bowling green among its main attractions. Along its seafront, a vibrant row of Victorian houses can be seen, with the Dyffryn Conwy mountains providing a stunning backdrop.

The town's beach - Traeth Llanfairfechan - is another highlight. With a blend of sand and pebbles, it's an ideal spot for a stroll, building sandcastles or simply sitting back to take in the view.

For those seeking a more active afternoon, a cycle track runs along the beach. Close by, there's a nature reserve named Traeth Lafan. At low tide, it can be hard to believe that water separates Ynys Mon from Llanfairfechan. The eastern end of the Menai Strait is much broader than the section west of Bangor.

However, at Traeth Lafan, the tides reveal and conceal a vast area of sand and mud spanning about 25 square km. This dynamic landscape of saltmarsh and intertidal sand teems with birdlife. In the winter months, the UK's largest population of moulting great crested grebes call this area home, along with large flocks of oystercatchers, red-breasted, mergansers and golden eye. The region stretches 9.5km west along the coastline from Llanfairfechan.

Behind this Victorian resort town, you can spot Carnedd Llewelyn, the highest peak in the Carneddau mountain range. This is where the unique Carneddau ponies reside.

The Eryri national park houses a small herd of about 300 semi-wild Carneddau ponies, believed to have roots dating back to the Bronze Age. Not classified as a rare breed, they are genetically distinct from the Welsh Mountain pony, possessing genes related to resilience and waterproofing.

Just 2.8 miles away from Llanfairfechan, you'll discover Abergwyngregyn. Its waterfall draws in thousands of visitors annually. Aber Falls is one of Eryri's most spectacular waterfalls.

Located at the northern foothills of the Carneddau, the waterfall marks the final descent of Afon Goch to the Menai Straits. The river dramatically drops from a height of 120 feet into a shallow rocky pool before continuing its journey towards the village of Abergwyngregyn.

If you're in Llanfairfechan and fancy a bite to eat, Seagrass is the place to be. This charming restaurant, located right on the front, is a favourite among locals and visitors alike, known for its delicious meals and stunning views. It's the perfect spot to round off your visit to Llanfairfechan, showcasing the very best that this resort has to offer.