Ripon

Three blasts from the Hornblower's horn echo across Market Place every evening at 9pm sharp - a tradition that's carried on for over 1,100 years. Ripon might be small, but it punches well above its weight when it comes to history and character.

The cathedral dominates the skyline, its twin towers visible for miles across the Yorkshire countryside. But dig deeper and you'll find layers of stories everywhere you look. The old Prison and Police Station tells a grim tale of Victorian justice, while the remains of the Ripon Union Workhouse remind you how the other half lived. Market Place itself is a proper gem - The Unicorn Hotel has been putting up travellers for centuries, and the Georgian facades hide medieval bones.

Wander down to the River Ure and you'll understand why this spot was chosen for settlement. The water meadows stretch away towards the Dales, dotted with ancient churches like St Mary at Wath. Black Heath Pond makes for a peaceful walk when the town centre gets busy on market days.

Getting here couldn't be easier - just off the A61 between Leeds and Thirsk, with Harrogate a quick 20-minute drive south. The train from Leeds takes about 40 minutes, though you'll need to change at Harrogate.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around the area puts you right in the heart of North Yorkshire. Ripon sits perfectly between the Yorkshire Dales and the North York Moors, with Fountains Abbey just down the road and Studley Royal Water Garden a must-see. The market towns of Thirsk and Masham are within easy striking distance too.