Ipswich

Suffolk's county town sits where the Orwell meets the Gipping, creating a proper working port that's managed to keep its character despite centuries of maritime trade. The town centre mixes Georgian terraces with modern shopping centres, while the Wet Dock area buzzes with restaurants and galleries housed in converted warehouses. It's got more grit than the chocolate-box villages nearby, which is rather refreshing.

You're perfectly placed for exploring Suffolk's countryside from here. Baylham Rare Breeds Farm makes for a cracking day out with children, showcasing traditional breeds in a proper working farm setting. The surrounding area is dotted with those distinctive Suffolk village signs - Great Blakenham, Needham Market, and Stowupland all have lovely examples that tell local stories through carved imagery.

Woodland walks are plentiful. Tuttonhill Wood and Devil's Grove offer proper rambles through ancient Suffolk forests, while smaller copses like Knotting Grove and Cross Path Plantation provide shorter strolls. The countryside here rolls gently, with that distinctive East Anglian big sky stretching overhead.

Needham Market, just a short train ride away, deserves a visit for its remarkable 15th-century church and antique shops. The town's position on the A14 makes it dead easy to reach from London or the Midlands - about 90 minutes by car from the capital.

Staying at one of the nearby parks gives you the best of both worlds: easy access to Ipswich's restaurants and shops, plus the Suffolk countryside right on your doorstep. Several offer glamping options if you fancy something a bit different from the usual caravan pitch.