Hereford

Rolling farmland stretches endlessly in every direction here, broken only by dense patches of ancient woodland and the occasional Norman church spire piercing the horizon. This is proper border country - the kind of landscape where you can walk for hours through forests like Lower Heath Wood or Werndee Wood without seeing another soul.

Hereford itself sits comfortably as the county town, all red sandstone cathedral and quiet market squares. But venture beyond the city limits and you're in some of England's most unspoilt countryside. The Wye Valley cuts a dramatic course through the landscape to the south, while gentle hills roll away towards Wales.

There's something wonderfully old-fashioned about exploring this area. Take the climb up Skenchill for views that stretch to the Welsh mountains on clear days. Or spend an afternoon at the Coarse Fishing Lakes if you fancy trying your luck with the locals. Saint Weonards, tucked away in the countryside, represents the sort of Norman church that makes you wonder how many centuries of worshippers have walked the same path.

The network of ancient woodlands here is particularly special. Cockshoot Wood and Brinstone Wood offer proper hiking through oak and ash that's barely changed since medieval times. You might even stumble across Big Log - a local landmark that's exactly what it sounds like but somehow manages to be more interesting than you'd expect.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the M50 brings you straight from the Midlands, while regular trains connect to Birmingham and beyond. Staying at one of the nearby parks like Doward Park Campsite puts you right in the heart of this agricultural heartland, perfect for exploring both the cathedral city and the wild country that surrounds it.