Presteigne

Step off the main road and you're immediately struck by how quiet this corner of the Welsh borders feels. Presteigne sits in that fascinating no-man's-land where England meets Wales, and the landscape shows it - rolling hills give way to proper Welsh valleys, while the architecture keeps one foot firmly in English market town territory.

The town itself has a lovely sleepy quality midweek. You'll find the War Memorial at the heart of things, a proper focal point that tells you this place takes its history seriously. For outdoor types, the surrounding countryside is frankly brilliant. Flintsham Pool and Titley Pool offer peaceful fishing spots, while the network of ancient woodlands - Pokewell Wood, Berry's Wood, Scutchditch Wood - provides miles of walking through proper old-growth forest.

Cave Wood and Priory Wood South are particularly lovely if you fancy a longer ramble. The terrain gets more interesting as you head towards Fridd and Llan-Wen Hill, where the views open up across the border country. It's not dramatic stuff, but there's something deeply satisfying about these gentle peaks.

Getting here couldn't be simpler - you're well-connected to Hereford and the Marches, making it an easy drive from Birmingham or South Wales. The East Radnor Leisure Centre keeps families happy on rainy days, though honestly the weather here tends to be kinder than you'd expect.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Presteigne Holiday Park or Pearl Lake Country Holiday Park makes perfect sense. You're bang in the middle of border country, with Welsh hills to the west and Herefordshire's gentler countryside to the east. It's the sort of base where you can properly explore both countries without constantly packing and unpacking.