This unique Italianate village is a must and is suitable for all ages. Situated just beyond Porthmadog - where until recently there was a 5p toll charge for the causeway leaving Porthmadog (no we're not joking). You will also pass the station for the Ffestiniog steam railway - this is definitely worth a trip and we are cheating by including it here because it takes us over our 10 top tips!

Take the A5 through Betws-y-Coed and carry on until you reach the left turn for Llanberis. Continue down this road and take a right at the Pen-y-Gwryd Hotel (where Edmund Hillary planned his assault on Everest) to Llanberis. You will now pass as close as possible to Snowdon by road. Continue following signs to Caernarfon.

On reaching Caernarfon (which has a lovely castle, by the way, where Prince Charles was inaugurated as the Prince of Wales) follow signs to Beddgelert. This will then take you back to the Pen-y-Gwyryd Hotel past some of the most spectacular scenery Snowdonia has to offer. Of course you can actually go to the top of Snowdon and see even better scenery. For the less energetic amongst you there is a train that will take you there, and even better, when you get to the top there is a licensed cafe. For the fitness enthusiast there is ample opportunity to climb and walk up all kinds of peaks in this area - please let us know where you intend to go for the day and what time you expect to be home.

We are lucky to have 3 fantastic waterfalls within 10 minutes drive. Conwy falls (Penmachno), Swallow falls (Betws-y-Coed), and the Fairy Glen (take the turning to Dolwyddelan on the A5).

There are 11 lakes in the vicinity. We would recommend Llyn (Welsh for lake) Gerionydd, Crafnant and Elsi as the most beautiful. The former two can be reached via Trefriw (turn left over the bridge at Llanrwst). Gerionydd is very popular for water sports and therefore can get quite busy. Crafnant is renowned for its fishing; licenses available from the lakeside cafe (wonderful selection of cakes!). Llyn Elsi is accessed from Betws-y-Coed and is best reached on foot via the footpath behind St. Mary's Church.

From experience, by far and away the best beach is Newborough Warren on Angelsey. There many other beaches much closer but this one tops them all. Another good place to go is Shell Island off Barmouth - only accessible when the tide permits.

On the A470 towards Llandudno. Wonderful gardens with ponds (boasting enormous fish - great fun for the kids!), house, streams, and fantastic views over the Conwy Valley. The laburnum arch is spectacular when in flower (June). Attached to the gardens is a large garden centre, well-stocked with plants and gifts and cafe. www.bodnant.co.uk

The epitome of a British seaside town but tasteful (on the whole!). Rides on the tram and cable car are worthwhile, and a drive around the Orme is a must. Eating chips on the prom is a good idea for lunch but please do not feed the seagulls - they can be a blinking nuisance.

Blaenau Ffestiniog has two slate mines - our kids know that Father Christmas lives down one of them because Llechwedd offers fantastic Father Christmas tours with subterranean Grotto (warm punch and mince pies for adults and a pressie for the kids - lovely!). We are reliably informed that it's nearly as good the rest of the year as well! Sygun Fawr in Beddgelert is an old copper mine and nice to visit, especially combined with spending some time in that area - this is a very personal recommendation since we lived in Beddgelert for some years before moving here. The Orme mines in Llandudno are good too.

The Neolithic burial chamber, Ty'n Coed Farm. This has been dated at about 2500BC and is well worth a visit if not only for the views afforded over the Snowdon Mountain Range (and we should know, we lived in Capel Garmon for 10 years). The White Horse Inn is open in the evenings and has blazing log fires and good bar food.