Worcester

The cathedral spires catch your eye first, rising above a city that's managed to keep one foot firmly planted in the past. Worcester sits comfortably along the River Severn, where medieval streets wind between timber-framed buildings and modern shops without much fuss about it.

Worcester Cathedral dominates the skyline, and rightly so - it's been doing the job for nearly a thousand years. The city centre feels properly lived-in rather than tourist-polished, with independent shops mixing alongside the usual high street names. Tuesday through Thursday, it's refreshingly quiet for wandering.

Just outside the city limits, the Malvern Hills provide some of England's finest walking country. These ancient peaks roll across the horizon like sleeping giants, with footpaths leading to cracking views across three counties. Pine Clump and University Wood offer gentler rambles through mature woodland, while Hastings Pool makes for a peaceful spot when the hills feel like too much effort.

Getting here couldn't be simpler - Worcester sits bang on the M5, with regular trains from London Paddington taking just over two hours. Great Malvern station serves the surrounding area well, connecting you to the wider Worcestershire countryside.

Basing yourself at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into the city for a proper meal or bit of shopping, yet far enough out to wake up surrounded by proper countryside. The Malvern Hills are literally on your doorstep, and places like Walmer Wood and Woodsfield Coppice provide excellent walking right from your pitch. It's the best of both worlds without the city centre parking headaches.