Hereford

The ancient cathedral city sprawls across the River Wye with an unhurried confidence that comes from fourteen centuries of history. Hereford's red sandstone cathedral dominates the skyline, housing the famous Mappa Mundi and Chained Library - proper medieval treasures that draw visitors from across the world. But this isn't just a tourist trap living off past glories.

Wander the pedestrianised High Town and you'll find independent shops mixing with familiar chains, while the Saturday market brings a proper buzz to the streets. The cathedral aside, Hereford's real charm lies in its working-city atmosphere. Locals pop into the Old Market for coffee, and the pubs around Eign Gate still pull a decent pint.

Just outside the city, Little Dewchurch offers a glimpse of rural Herefordshire at its finest. The village's 2000-year-old yew tree at Little Dewchurch 2000 is worth the short drive, and you can round off the trip with a pint at Little Dewchurch Brewing Co - they do excellent craft ales in a converted farm building.

The surrounding countryside rolls away in all directions, classic Herefordshire pastoral land dotted with apple orchards and hop fields. The Welsh border hills rise to the west, while the Malverns catch the light to the east on clear days.

Getting here is straightforward - Hereford sits on the main A49 between Ross-on-Wye and Leominster. The train from Birmingham takes just over an hour, making it easily accessible from the Midlands. Using one of the nearby caravan parks or glamping sites makes perfect sense - you're close enough to explore the cathedral city properly while having the Wye Valley and Welsh borders on your doorstep.