Canterbury

Medieval bells still ring across a city where pilgrims have walked for nearly a thousand years. Canterbury wears its UNESCO World Heritage status lightly, managing to feel both ancient and thoroughly modern as students cycle between lectures and tourists crane their necks at soaring Gothic spires.

The Cathedral dominates everything, naturally. But step beyond Thomas Becket's shrine and you'll find a city that knows how to live well. Independent shops line the cobbled streets, proper pubs serve excellent ales, and the River Stour meanders peacefully through it all. Court Wood and Pine Wood offer proper countryside walks just minutes from the city centre, while Howletts Wild Animal Park makes for a brilliant family day out with its rare gorillas and elephants.

Walk the North Downs Way and you're following one of England's finest long-distance paths. The route cuts right through Canterbury before continuing towards Dover, offering cracking views across the Kent countryside. Cherry Orchard Nature Reserve provides a quieter spot for wildlife watching, and the various war memorials scattered around villages like Barham remind you of the area's deeper history.

Getting here couldn't be easier - Canterbury sits on the main London to Dover railway line, with regular services from both Victoria and St Pancras. The M2 and A2 provide straightforward road access from London in about an hour and a half.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks gives you the best of both worlds. You can explore Canterbury's historic streets during the day, then retreat to the peaceful Kent countryside in the evening. Several glamping options around Preston Court and Brook Farm offer a touch more luxury, while traditional campsites provide excellent value for families wanting to explore both the city and the surrounding downland.