Warminster

Military buses rumble through the streets here most days - this is army town through and through, with the Infantry Battle School keeping things properly bustling. The high street feels lived-in rather than touristy, which gives Warminster a refreshingly genuine feel that many Wiltshire towns have lost.

Longleat sits just outside town like the crown jewel it is, with its safari park and stately home drawing crowds from across the country. The estate dominates the landscape here, but venture beyond and you'll find yourself among the rolling hills of Salisbury Plain. Bidcombe Hill and Brimsdown Hill offer cracking walks with views stretching for miles, while The Cascade Way provides a gentler ramble through the countryside.

The surrounding area is properly rural once you leave the town centre behind. Heaven's Henge gallery showcases local artists, and there's always Pottery Painting if the weather turns. Sports Plaza keeps the fitness-minded happy, though honestly, the best exercise comes from exploring those hills.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the A36 runs straight through, connecting Bath to Salisbury. The train station links directly to London Waterloo, making this surprisingly accessible for a market town. Most visitors use Warminster as their jumping-off point for Longleat, but the surrounding countryside rewards those who stick around longer.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around the area makes perfect sense. You're close enough to walk into town for supplies or a proper pub meal, yet far enough out to enjoy the peace of the Wiltshire countryside. The mix of touring parks and glamping sites means there's something for every type of escape.