Huntingdon

The Great Ouse winds its way through this market town like a silver thread, bringing a proper sense of calm to what was once Oliver Cromwell's stomping ground. Huntingdon sits quietly in the Cambridgeshire countryside, where medieval streets still follow their original patterns and the ghost of England's most famous republican still haunts the local conversation.

Cromwell was born here in 1599, and you can't escape his legacy - though the town wears it lightly these days. The old grammar school where he studied still stands, and locals will point out his birthplace with the kind of understated pride that never quite becomes boastful.

Wander beyond the town centre and you'll find yourself in proper fenland territory. Grafham Water stretches out like an inland sea just west of town, where the sailing club keeps things lively on summer weekends. The water's a bit of a trek from the centre, but well worth it for the peace and the birdwatching.

Diddington Wood and Jubilee Copse offer decent walks when you need to stretch your legs, while Buckden Towers - a proper medieval survivor - sits just up the road telling stories of bishops and power plays from centuries past.

Getting here couldn't be easier. The A14 cuts right past, and you're only 15 minutes from the M11 if you're coming from London. The train station connects directly to King's Cross in just over an hour.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into Cambridge for the day (it's barely 20 miles), yet far enough out to enjoy proper countryside peace. The River Great Ouse provides excellent walking and cycling routes, while Grafham Water offers everything from sailing to fishing to simple waterside contemplation.