Wells

Towering cathedral spires pierce the Somerset skyline above narrow medieval streets that haven't changed much in 800 years. Wells claims the title of England's smallest city, though it feels more like a proper market town with serious architectural credentials. The cathedral dominates everything - its West Front crawling with stone saints and kings in various states of medieval decay.

Wander past the Bishop's Palace with its moat (yes, really) and you'll find yourself on cobbled streets lined with independent shops. Market Place buzzes on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. The rest of the week? Delightfully quiet.

Just outside town, Wookey Hole Caves offer proper underground adventure. These limestone caverns have been wowing visitors for decades, complete with the Wookey Hole 4D Cinema and Paper Making Museum if the kids get bored of stalactites. The whole complex feels a bit retro, but that's half the charm.

Mendip Hills rise to the north and south - Hay Hill and Henley Hill both reward the effort with cracking views across the Somerset Levels. This is walking country, with footpaths threading through villages that time forgot.

Bath sits 20 miles northeast, but Wells makes a far better base for exploring Somerset properly. Several holiday parks dot the surrounding countryside, from traditional touring sites like Wells Touring Park right in town to glamping options that let you wake up to those cathedral bells. The city's compact enough to explore on foot, yet perfectly placed for day trips to Glastonbury, Cheddar Gorge, or the coast at Burnham-on-Sea.