Castle Cary

Stone houses line sleepy streets where the Market House stands guard like a Georgian sentinel. Castle Cary moves at a proper Somerset pace - the kind of place where locals still nod hello and the high street closes early on weekdays.

The town sits in rolling countryside that feels quintessentially English. Windmill Hill offers cracking views across the Somerset Levels, while the short walk to Lodge Hill Viewpoint rewards you with proper panoramas on a clear day. The Roundhouse, an 18th-century lock-up, tells tales of when Castle Cary was rougher around the edges.

St Nicholas Church anchors the town centre with typical Somerset stone dignity. But venture beyond and you'll find Cheriton Hill and Lamyatt Beacon - both excellent for stretching your legs with the dog. The surrounding countryside is a patchwork of fields and hedgerows, perfect for gentle rambles.

Bruton lies just three miles east and feels like Castle Cary's arty cousin. The Bruton Museum is worth a browse, and the town has developed quite the foodie reputation lately. Both towns share excellent rail links - Castle Cary station connects directly to London Paddington in under two hours.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this patch of Somerset. You're within striking distance of Glastonbury, Wells Cathedral, and the Mendip Hills, while having a peaceful base to return to each evening. The area around Doulting Sheep Sleight offers particularly good walking, though the name might raise a chuckle.