Banbury

Three miles from the Cotswolds yet firmly in Warwickshire, Banbury sits where several counties collide in a landscape of gentle hills and ancient market towns. The famous nursery rhyme barely scratches the surface of this proper market town that's managed to keep its character despite excellent transport links to London and Birmingham.

Cross and castle dominate the town centre. Banbury Cross might not be the original from the rhyme, but it's still worth a look, while the Thursday market has been running for over 800 years. The high street blends chain stores with independent shops, though it quietens considerably midweek.

Rolling countryside surrounds the town on all sides. Magpie Hill and Deddington Hill offer cracking views across the Cherwell Valley, while the network of small woods like Claydonhill Covert and French's Covert makes for decent walking. The area's dotted with historic churches too - All Saints and St Michael are particularly fine examples of medieval architecture.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Direct trains from London Marylebone take just over an hour, while the M40 runs practically through the town centre. Oxford's half an hour south, making Banbury an ideal spot for exploring both the Cotswolds and Oxfordshire's more famous attractions.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to pop into town for supplies or a proper meal, but far enough out to enjoy the countryside. Sites like Mount Farm Park and Anita's Touring Caravan Park put you within easy reach of both Banbury's amenities and the surrounding villages that pepper this corner of England.