Powys

Rolling green hills stretch as far as the eye can see, broken only by the occasional farmhouse and dry stone wall. This is proper Welsh border country, where the Severn Valley cuts through ancient landscapes and steam trains still chuff along narrow-gauge tracks. The area around Welshpool feels genuinely rural - you'll pass more sheep than cars on most roads.

Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway offers one of Britain's finest preserved steam experiences, winding through countryside that hasn't changed much since Victorian times. The journey starts at Welshpool Raven Square and takes you deep into the Banwy Valley. Frankly, it's more atmospheric than many of the busier heritage railways down south.

Serious walkers will appreciate the challenge of Gaer-Fawr Hill and the cluster of peaks including Groes-Pluen and The Common. The views from up there take in the entire Severn Valley and beyond into Shropshire. For something less strenuous, Granllyn Pool provides decent fishing, while Gaer Fawr Wood and Cefn Rhouniarth Coppice offer proper woodland walks.

History buffs shouldn't miss Strata Marcella, the atmospheric ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian abbey. It's one of those places that feels genuinely ancient, especially on a misty morning when you've got the place to yourself.

Getting here means following the A483 through Welshpool - it's about 20 miles south of Oswestry and a similar distance from Shrewsbury. The nearest mainline station is actually Welshpool itself, with decent connections to Birmingham and the coast. Staying at one of the local holiday parks puts you right in the heart of this landscape, with walking trails and steam train adventures practically on your doorstep.