Warwick

Medieval towers pierce the skyline while shoppers browse along a high street that's buzzing come Saturday morning but takes on a sleepy charm midweek. This is proper medieval England - Warwick Castle dominates everything, its towers visible from miles around, while the town itself wraps around its base like a faithful retainer.

Warwick Castle is the obvious draw, though it's become rather theme park-like these days. Still cracking views from the ramparts, mind you. The real treats lie in wandering the backstreets where you'll stumble across Guys Cave and the atmospheric Cloisters Cave - tucked away spots that most day-trippers miss entirely.

Bridge House Theatre puts on decent productions if you fancy an evening out, while the Warwickshire Yeomanry Museum and Royal Regiment of Fusiliers offer proper military history without the castle crowds. The town centre itself has that lived-in feel - locals actually shop here rather than just posing for photos.

Leamington Spa sits just three miles south, all Regency elegance and spa town pretensions. Stratford-upon-Avon lies 8 miles southwest - worth the trip for Shakespeare's birthplace, though expect coach parties. The Cotswolds begin their gentle roll eastward from here.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. Warwick station connects directly to London Marylebone in 90 minutes, while the M40 delivers you practically to the castle gates. Basing yourself at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense - you're within walking distance of the medieval action but can escape the summer crowds when they become too much. Knight's Village sits right beside the castle if you want maximum convenience.