Southam

Fields roll away in every direction from this surprisingly lively market town, where the Fosse Way cuts a Roman line through gentle Warwickshire countryside. Southam feels properly lived-in rather than touristy - locals still pop to the independent shops along Market Hill, and the weekly market has been running since medieval times.

The real draws lie just beyond the town boundaries. Napton Hill offers cracking views across three counties on a clear day, while the village below houses Napton Cidery where you can sample proper Warwickshire scrumpy. The Grand Union Canal threads through the landscape here, creating a network of marinas at Calcutt, Napton and Ventnor where narrowboats potter between lock flights.

History buffs will appreciate the site of Calcutt Medieval Village, though little remains above ground these days. More atmospheric is the Church of Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness, perched on Beacon Hill with views that stretch for miles. The original beacon that gave the hill its name once warned of approaching armies.

Getting here is straightforward - Southam sits halfway between Leamington Spa and Daventry on the A425, with decent bus links to both. The M40 runs just to the east, making it an easy drive from London or Birmingham.

Staying at one of the local parks makes perfect sense for exploring this bit of Warwickshire. You're well positioned for canal walks, within striking distance of Warwick and Stratford-upon-Avon, yet based somewhere that still feels like the real countryside rather than a tourist honeypot.