Grantham

Market towns don't come much more proper than this Georgian gem sitting on the A1 corridor between Newark and Stamford. Grantham feels refreshingly real - a working town where locals still shop on the high street and the Saturday market draws folk from miles around. The magnificent St Wulfram's Church dominates the skyline with its soaring spire, visible from the surrounding countryside for miles.

Margaret Thatcher was born here, though the town's claim to fame stretches far beyond the Iron Lady. Newton discovered gravity at nearby Woolsthorpe Manor. The Angel and Royal Hotel once hosted King John. These days, it's the gateway to some of Lincolnshire's loveliest countryside.

Belton Estate sprawls just outside town, its National Trust parkland perfect for afternoon walks through ancient woodlands like Spellar Wood and Old Gorse Wood. The hills around here - Loveden Hill, Hambleton Hill - offer cracking views across the Vale of Belvoir without the crowds you'd find in the Peak District. Sudbrook Moor Golf Course provides a decent 18 holes if you fancy a round.

Getting here couldn't be easier. The A1 runs right past, and there's a proper railway station with direct trains to London King's Cross in just over an hour. Newark's 20 minutes north if you need a bigger shopping fix.

Staying at one of the glamping sites or caravan parks dotted around the area makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies or a pub lunch, yet far enough out to enjoy the peace of the Lincolnshire countryside. The surrounding woodlands and gentle hills provide endless walking opportunities, while the town itself offers all the amenities you need without the tourist tat.