Nuneaton

Railway workers' cottages line the streets of this unassuming Warwickshire town, where George Eliot spent her formative years before becoming one of England's greatest novelists. The red-brick terraces tell the story of industry and community that still defines Nuneaton today - though you'd be hard pressed to spot much literary glamour on a wet Tuesday afternoon in the town centre.

What Nuneaton lacks in immediate charm, it makes up for with genuine character. The market square sees proper local life rather than tourist coaches, and the surrounding countryside offers some cracking walks if you know where to look. Market Bosworth Country Park lies just south, with its mix of woodland trails and the lovely Looking Glass Pond - a proper spot for an afternoon stroll.

History buffs will want to head to the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, where Richard III met his end in 1485. It's a fascinating place that brings the Wars of the Roses to life far better than any dusty textbook. The surrounding forests - Oak Ring, The Duckery, and Old Covert - provide excellent walking territory, particularly in autumn when the colours are spectacular.

Getting here is dead easy. Nuneaton sits on the main London to Birmingham railway line, with regular services from both directions. It's also well connected by road, sitting between the M6 and A5. Leicester is 20 minutes up the road, Coventry about the same distance south.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes sense if you're exploring this slice of the Midlands. You get countryside tranquillity while remaining within striking distance of Warwick, Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Peak District's southern edges.