Canterbury

Medieval streets wind their way around one of England's most important religious sites, where pilgrims have been tramping for centuries. Canterbury's cathedral dominates the skyline, its spires visible from miles around, while the old city walls still stand guard over narrow lanes packed with timber-framed buildings.

The cathedral aside, Canterbury works hard to keep visitors entertained. The old streets buzz with independent shops and proper pubs, though it does get rammed during peak season when coach parties descend. Better to visit midweek if you can manage it.

Just outside the city proper, you'll find some cracking woodland walks. Blean Woods National Nature Reserve spreads across ancient countryside - it's one of the largest areas of broadleaved woodland in Kent. RSPB Blean Woods offers brilliant birdwatching, while Victory Wood provides gentler strolls through managed forest. Park Wood and the larger Blean Wood complex give you proper hiking territory without the crowds.

For a breather between cathedral visits and woodland rambles, Winding Pond makes a lovely picnic spot. The various lakes - Swan Lake and Loggies Lake among them - dot the surrounding countryside, each offering peaceful moments away from the tourist throng.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Canterbury sits on the main London-Dover railway line, with Chartham station serving the western approaches. The A2 dual carriageway sweeps you in from London or the coast in about an hour either way.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You get the best of both worlds - easy access to Canterbury's history and culture, plus the Kent countryside on your doorstep. The Kentish lanes are perfect for cycling, and those ancient woods are brilliant for kids who need to burn off energy after trudging around the cathedral.