Bewdley

Three bridges cross the Severn here, each telling a different chapter of this Georgian market town's story. Bewdley wears its 18th-century elegance well, with honey-coloured sandstone buildings lining Load Street and the riverside. The railway heritage runs deep - Bewdley station serves as headquarters for the Severn Valley Railway, where steam trains chuff through the Wyre Forest.

Wander down to the quayside and you'll understand why this was once Worcestershire's busiest inland port. These days it's all about leisure rather than cargo. The Bewdley Museum sits in the old butchers' shambles, telling tales of river trade and basket weaving. Pop into Bewdley Brewery afterwards for a proper pint.

Forget the leisure centre - the real action happens outdoors. Wyre Forest spreads north and east, offering miles of walking trails through ancient woodland. The Herb Garden provides a quieter escape, whilst the Community Orchard shows off local varieties come autumn.

Vicarage Farm Heath Nature Reserve lies just outside town, a lovely spot for wildlife watching. The forest canopy here is something special in May when the bluebells carpet the ground. Mount Pleasant offers cracking views back over the Severn valley, though it's a bit of a trek up.

Kidderminster sits eight miles south if you need bigger shops or transport links. The A456 brings you straight into Bewdley, though parking can be tight during steam railway weekends. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense - you're close enough to explore both the town and forest properly, but far enough out to enjoy the Worcestershire countryside.