Doncaster

The sweeping flatlands around Thorne stretch to the horizon like a vast green carpet, broken only by the occasional church spire or windmill. This is proper Yorkshire countryside - no dramatic dales or peaks here, just honest agricultural land that's been worked for centuries. The town itself sits quietly between the rivers Don and Torne, a place where life moves at canal-boat pace.

Thorne's real treasure lies in its surroundings. Hatfield Moors sprawls across thousands of acres of lowland peat bog, one of the largest remaining examples in northern England. It's brilliant for walking, though you'll want proper boots - the ground can be soggy even in summer. The Thorne Moor Viewing Tower offers cracking views across this wilderness, especially on clear days when you can see for miles.

Water dominates the landscape here. Blue Water Marina and Stanilands Marina buzz with narrow boats and pleasure craft, while Hatfield Marina provides a peaceful spot for fishing or just watching the world float by. Corporation Shaw and Great Gate Wood offer woodland walks when you've had enough of the open moors.

Golfers are well sorted with both Thorne Golf Club and Kingswood Golf Centre nearby. The courses take advantage of the flat terrain - no mountain climbs between holes here.

Getting here is straightforward enough. Thorne has four railway stations dotted around the area, connecting to the main Doncaster-Hull line. The M18 runs close by for those driving.

Staying at one of the local parks makes perfect sense. You're bang in the middle of this unique landscape, with the moors on your doorstep and the waterways a short walk away. It's not dramatic countryside, but it has a quiet beauty that grows on you.