Colchester

Romans built their capital here nearly two thousand years ago, and you can still feel that ancient weight in Britain's oldest recorded town. Colchester wears its history proudly - from the massive Norman castle squatting over the town centre to the remnants of Roman walls that snake between modern shops and cafes.

The town itself has a proper lived-in feel, none of that polished tourist trap nonsense. Market days bring real bustle to the High Street, while the castle and its museums draw steady streams of school groups and history buffs. It's the kind of place where you'll find a decent cup of tea and a chat with locals who've lived here for decades.

Just outside town, the countryside opens up beautifully. Wivenhoe Woods offer lovely walks through ancient woodland, while Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve is a cracking spot for birdwatchers - the mudflats and reedbeds here attract everything from avocets to marsh harriers. The nearby village of Wivenhoe, with its train station connecting to London, has developed quite an artistic reputation. Pop into The Sentinel Gallery or Old Grocery for local work, and you'll find St Mary the Virgin church worth a quick look too.

Getting here couldn't be easier - Colchester sits right on the A12, about an hour northeast of London. The town has its own mainline railway station with regular services to Liverpool Street. For those staying at nearby holiday parks, you're perfectly placed. Several parks dot the area around West Mersea, giving you coastal access alongside the historic attractions. It's that rare combination of serious history and proper countryside, without feeling like a museum piece.