Presteigne

Sheep outnumber people here by quite some margin, and that's exactly the point. This former market town sits right on the Welsh-English border, where rolling hills stretch endlessly in every direction and the pace of life moves at a decidedly different tempo. The medieval streets feel properly quiet most days - a stark contrast to the bustling tourist trails further west.

Walking country doesn't get much better than this. Old Radnor Hill and Colva Hill offer cracking views across the borderlands, while Stanner Rocks provides one of the area's finest viewpoints. The landscape here is all about gentle peaks and wooded valleys - Glan-yr-afon Wood and Hutton Copse are lovely for afternoon rambles when the weather's decent.

Presteigne itself retains its old-world charm without feeling like a tourist trap. St Mary's Church Gladestry and Saint Stephen church anchor the area's historic character, though don't expect grand cathedral architecture. This is farming country through and through.

Getting here requires a bit of planning - the nearest proper town is Leominster, about 20 miles east. The roads wind through some beautiful countryside, but they're not exactly motorway-direct. That remoteness is half the appeal, mind you.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of the Welsh borders. Presteigne Holiday Park puts you right in town, while options like Heart of the Wye Glamping and By the Wye Glamping offer riverside settings. The area rewards slow exploration rather than tick-box sightseeing - ideal for a proper escape from modern life's relentless pace.