Newtown

The Severn Valley stretches out in all directions here, rolling green hills punctuated by the occasional farmhouse. This is proper Welsh border country - though technically in Wales, Newtown feels distinctly like the marches where England and Wales blur together. The town sits comfortably in the Severn's gentle curve, with the river providing both character and a bit of peace away from the main drag.

Newtown itself won't win any beauty contests, but it's got that honest market town feel that grows on you. The high street does what it needs to do - shops, cafes, the usual suspects. What makes it work as a base is the countryside that surrounds it. Head out in any direction and you're into proper walking country within minutes.

Gwgia offers decent fishing if that's your thing, though it's more of a local spot than a destination in itself. For something completely different, Falconry Experience Wales runs sessions by appointment - watching a peregrine falcon work is genuinely thrilling, and they know their stuff. The 12th-century St Mary's Church at Llanllugan is worth the short drive if you appreciate Norman architecture without the crowds.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A483 runs right through town, connecting you to Welshpool in the north and the English border to the east. Shrewsbury is your nearest proper shopping town, about 45 minutes by car.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around the valley gives you the best of both worlds. You're close enough to pop into town for supplies or a pub meal, but far enough out to wake up to nothing but birdsong and the occasional sheep. The Severn Valley makes for brilliant walking, and you can be on Plynlimon's slopes within the hour if you fancy something more challenging.