Stamford

Georgian limestone facades line every street, creating one of England's most perfectly preserved medieval market towns. Stamford feels like a film set - which it often is, having doubled for period dramas from Pride and Prejudice to Middlemarch. The honey-coloured stone glows particularly lovely in late afternoon light.

Wander through the town centre and you'll stumble across proper treasures. The Priest's House offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval life, while the ruins of St Leonard's Priory tell stories of monastic England. Daniel Lambert's Grave in St Martin's churchyard marks the resting place of Britain's heaviest man - a quirky bit of local history that locals love sharing.

Beyond the obvious Georgian delights, Stamford Arts Centre puts on cracking productions in an intimate setting. The Garden of Surprise lives up to its name with unexpected plantings, while the newer Sculpture Garden provides a contemporary contrast to all that medieval stone.

From here, the Lincolnshire countryside rolls away in gentle folds. It's proper walking country - not dramatic, but quietly beautiful in that understated English way. The town sits perfectly for exploring both the Fens to the east and Rutland Water to the south.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Stamford sits on the main London to Edinburgh rail line, with regular services from King's Cross taking just over an hour. The A1 runs close by for drivers. Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense - you get the countryside peace but can walk into this architectural gem within minutes for dinner at one of the excellent restaurants clustered around the medieval streets.