Salisbury

Cathedral spires pierce the Wiltshire sky here, creating one of England's most recognisable silhouettes. The medieval streets radiate out from the magnificent 13th-century cathedral like spokes on a wheel, lined with half-timbered houses and Georgian facades that have watched over centuries of market days.

Salisbury feels properly lived-in rather than preserved in aspic. The Tuesday and Saturday markets still pack the square with local producers, while the cathedral close remains one of Europe's finest examples of medieval town planning. You'll find yourself drawn back to that soaring spire - at 404 feet, it's the tallest in Britain - whether you're browsing the medieval streets or walking the water meadows.

Beyond the city walls, the Salisbury Plain stretches endlessly, dotted with ancient sites that predate the cathedral by millennia. Archaeological treasures like Lyons Borrow and Neale's Barrow hint at the deep history beneath your feet, while the rolling downs - Bishopstone Down, Smithen Down, Netherhampton Down - offer proper walking country with views across three counties.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Direct trains from London Waterloo take 90 minutes, while the A303 brings drivers from all corners of the south. You're also perfectly positioned for that other Wiltshire icon - Stonehenge sits just eight miles north.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes complete sense for exploring this corner of Wiltshire. The Stonehenge Campsite & Glamping puts you within striking distance of the stones themselves, while Chalke Valley Camping offers a more secluded base among the downs. From any of these spots, you can explore the cathedral city by day and retreat to peaceful countryside by evening.