Melksham

Railway workers built most of this Wiltshire town in the 19th century, and it still has that honest, unpretentious feel today. The high street might not win any beauty contests, but Melksham has a proper lived-in quality that's refreshing after too many chocolate-box villages.

The River Avon meanders through the town centre, creating pleasant riverside walks that most visitors miss entirely. It's these quieter spots that reveal Melksham's character - a working town that doesn't try too hard to impress tourists.

Venture beyond the town boundaries and you'll find proper countryside. Seend Hill offers decent views across the Wiltshire downs, while the mysterious Turpin Stone stands as a reminder of the area's older history. For woodland walks, Hack Plantation provides shade on hot summer days.

This part of Wiltshire sits perfectly between Bath and Devizes, making it a smart base for exploring both. The A365 connects you to Bath in twenty minutes, while Devizes and its famous flight of canal locks are even closer. Bradford-on-Avon's Saxon church and medieval streets are just down the road too.

Staying at one of the local campsites like Mill Farm Glamping or Yellowtail Camping makes perfect sense if you want to explore without the expense of Bath accommodation. You're close enough to nip into the World Heritage city for dinner, but far enough away to avoid the crowds and parking nightmares.