Devizes

Crop circles and ancient burial mounds dot the chalky downland around this unpretentious market town. Devizes sits snug in the Vale of Pewsey, where the rolling Wiltshire countryside feels properly rural yet accessible - just off the A4 between Bath and London.

The Crop Circle Visitor Centre & Exhibition draws UFO enthusiasts and curious families alike, though whether you believe in alien visitations or elaborate hoaxes, the surrounding fields certainly serve up some spectacular formations each summer. More concrete evidence of human activity spans millennia here: Marden Super Henge ranks among Britain's largest prehistoric monuments, while Slay Barrow and Ell Barrow offer quieter glimpses into our Neolithic past.

Walking the downs reveals why this landscape has captivated people for thousands of years. Etchilhampton Hill and Cleave Hill provide cracking viewpoints across the vale, with paths threading through Peppercombe Wood for those preferring woodland rambles. Dog owners particularly rate Foxley Paddock's secure walking field.

Devizes itself keeps things low-key - a proper working town rather than a tourist magnet. The Thursday market still draws farmers and locals, while Gallery Eleven Unit 11 showcases regional artists in more intimate surroundings.

Getting here couldn't be simpler: the A4 runs straight through, and it's barely 20 minutes from the M4. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring both the mysterious ancient sites and the broader Wiltshire countryside. You're within easy striking distance of Marlborough, Avebury, and even Bath for day trips, while having this quieter corner as your base.