Highbridge

Railway enthusiasts still gather at the old market square where steam trains once brought holidaymakers bound for the coast. Highbridge sits in the heart of the Somerset Levels, a proper working town that hasn't lost its character to tourism despite being just inland from Burnham-on-Sea's sandy beaches.

The town serves as an excellent base for exploring Somerset's diverse landscape. Brent Knoll rises dramatically from the flat wetlands - a steep climb but the views across the Bristol Channel are cracking on a clear day. Down in the levels, Webbington Farm offers a glimpse into traditional rural life, while The Helicopter Museum houses an impressive collection that'll keep aviation fans happy for hours.

Wildlife thrives in this watery landscape. Shipton's Copse and Christon Plantation provide peaceful walking among ancient woodlands, while the network of rhynes (local drainage channels) attracts kingfishers and herons. Underground, Bleadon Cavern reveals a hidden world of limestone formations - though it's a bit of a trek from town.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The M5 runs close by, and regular buses connect to Burnham-on-Sea and Weston-super-Mare. It's the sort of place where you can park up at one of the nearby holiday parks and explore both the Somerset coast and countryside without spending half your day in the car. The town itself might be quiet midweek, but that's part of its appeal - no crowds, just proper Somerset life carrying on as it has for decades.