Richmond

Sheep graze on rolling hills that stretch endlessly north towards the Scottish borders, while stone walls carve up countryside that's proper Yorkshire at its finest. Richmond sits right at the heart of this landscape, a handsome market town where Georgian terraces overlook the River Swale and narrow cobbled streets wind uphill from the ancient marketplace.

The town's crown jewel remains its Norman castle, perched dramatically above the river with views that take in miles of Swaledale. Below, the market square buzzes twice weekly, though midweek it's wonderfully quiet - perfect for a proper browse around the independent shops tucked into medieval lanes. The Georgian Theatre Royal, one of England's oldest surviving playhouses, still puts on cracking productions if you fancy a night out.

Head beyond the town limits and you're quickly into proper Dales country. Hunter's Hill and Prospect Hill offer brilliant walks with panoramic views across the valley, while the woodlands at Norway Wood and Catgill Plantation provide shelter on blustery days. For something completely different, Croft Circuit lies just south - one of Britain's most challenging motor racing venues where you can catch everything from touring cars to superbikes.

Getting here's straightforward enough. The A1 runs close by, making Richmond easily accessible from Newcastle or London. The nearest railway station is at Darlington, about 20 minutes by car.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around the area makes brilliant sense. You're close enough to nip into Richmond for supplies or a pub lunch, yet perfectly positioned for exploring both the Yorkshire Dales proper and the quieter corners of North Yorkshire that most visitors miss entirely.