Lincoln

The cathedral spires visible across the Lincolnshire Fens tell you everything about Lincoln's commanding presence. This ancient city sits atop a limestone escarpment, its Roman walls and medieval streets tumbling down towards the River Witham below.

Lincoln Cathedral dominates the skyline for miles around, its Gothic towers a proper landmark that's guided travellers for centuries. The castle nearby houses one of only four surviving copies of Magna Carta - though you'll need to queue in summer. Steep Hill lives up to its name, a cobbled medieval street lined with independent shops and cafes that'll leave your calves burning.

Down in the Brayford Pool, where the Romans once docked their boats, the university has breathed new life into old warehouses. The waterfront buzzes with bars and restaurants, though it can get a bit rowdy on weekend nights. Better to explore during the week when you can actually hear yourself think.

Venture beyond the city and you'll find yourself in proper fenland territory. The Mere offers peaceful walks, while Greetwell Fields Park provides a green escape without the trek up to the cathedral quarter. Washingborough Methodist Church and the various parish churches scattered around villages like Nocton and Potterhanworth speak to centuries of rural worship.

Lincoln sits roughly equidistant between Newark and the Humber Bridge, making it a cracking base for exploring both the Wolds and the coast. The A46 whisks you here from Newark in 40 minutes, while the coast at Skegness is an hour's drive east.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Hartsholme Country Park puts you close enough to walk into town for evening meals, yet far enough out to avoid the student revelry. Plus you're perfectly placed for day trips to the Lincolnshire Wolds or Boston's market.