The Bell Hotel

The creak of old floorboards and the smell of a proper cooked breakfast drifting upstairs — this is traditional Welsh hospitality with a camping twist, tucked into the heart of Colwyn Bay's Victorian seafront quarter.

The Bell suits couples after a base for coastal walks, families who want a solid roof with a bit of camping character in the pods, and anyone exploring Snowdonia's northern edge without committing to full canvas. Dogs are welcome by arrangement, so worth asking ahead if you're bringing yours. Colwyn Bay's beach and the promenade are a short stroll, and the town gives you quick access to both Conwy's medieval ramparts and the hills rising inland.

Expect a blend of inn comfort and outdoor simplicity — the pods offer a compromise between wild camping and a B&B bed, while the guest house rooms are proper traditional fare. Campfires need checking on arrival, so don't assume. It's open year-round, which makes it handy for winter coast walks or off-season breaks when most campsites have shuttered up. A straightforward, honest spot for exploring North Wales without fuss.