Public Library

Chippenham's Public Library sits right in the heart of town, a proper working library rather than a tourist attraction. If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan sites - Plough Lane or Roe Deer Fields are just two miles away - it's worth knowing it exists, especially if the weather turns foul or the kids need an activity that doesn't involve tramping across fields.

You'll find the usual mix: books, a bit of local history in the collections, computers if you need to check emails, and staff who actually know the area. The children's section is decent enough to kill an hour if you've got restless youngsters in tow. It's free to look around, though you'll need a card if you want to borrow anything.

Really, this is a place for rainy afternoons rather than a destination in itself. If you're based at Blackland Lakes or The Retreat Glamping and fancy a break from outdoor activities, it beats sitting in a café. The location on the edge of Chippenham means you can easily combine it with a proper walk into town or a look at some of the older buildings nearby.

Open times and exact facilities do vary, so ring ahead before you visit. It's the kind of place that serves the locals brilliantly but won't rewrite your holiday. Still, sometimes that's exactly what you need.