Hereford

Cathedral bells chime across red-brick streets where medieval timber meets modern shopping centres. Hereford sits in prime position between the Welsh borders and the Cotswolds, a proper market town that's never quite shaken its farming roots. The cathedral dominates the skyline - rightly so, given it houses the famous Mappa Mundi and one of the world's largest chained libraries.

Wander beyond the city centre and you'll quickly find yourself in proper countryside. Mill Wood and Great Wood offer decent walks without the crowds you'd get in more famous spots, while the peaks scattered around the area - Vagar Hill, Cefn Hill, and the more distant Black Hill - provide cracking views across three counties on clear days.

The Black Mountains loom to the west, with Hay Bluff being the most accessible if you fancy a proper hike. It's a bit of a trek from town, mind you. Closer to home, the various woods - Honey Wood and Lady's Coppice among them - make for lovely afternoon strolls when the high street gets too busy.

For something completely different, seek out Craswall Priory, a ruined medieval site that most visitors miss entirely. The drive there takes you through some of Herefordshire's finest countryside.

Getting here couldn't be simpler - the A49 runs right through town, connecting north to Shrewsbury and south to Ross-on-Wye. The train station links directly to Birmingham and Cardiff, making it surprisingly well-connected for such a rural spot.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around the area - like Poston Mill or the glamping options along the Wye - puts you within easy striking distance of both the town's amenities and the surrounding countryside. You get the best of both worlds without the city centre parking hassles.