Chard

Ancient earthworks rise from rolling farmland where Somerset meets Devon and Dorset. Chard sits comfortably in this border triangle, a proper market town that's shed its old reputation as a lace-making centre for something quieter and more rural.

The high street runs wide and handsome through the town centre, though it can feel a bit sleepy on weekday afternoons. What Chard lacks in obvious glamour it makes up for in position - you're perfectly placed for exploring three counties without the crowds that descend on more famous spots.

Castle Neroche commands the hills to the north, its Iron Age ramparts still impressive after two millennia. The climb up through Cotty Copse is a bit of a slog, but those views across the Blackdown Hills are well worth the effort. Membury Castle offers another slice of ancient history, though it's less dramatic than Neroche.

Woodland walks thread through the surrounding countryside. Burnbeat Copse and Lamb's Lawn Copse provide proper shade on hot summer days, while Chard Reservoir draws anglers and dog walkers year-round. The fishing can be excellent here if you time it right.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A30 runs right through town, connecting you to Exeter in one direction and Salisbury in the other. Taunton lies fifteen miles north if you need a bigger shopping fix or rail connections.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of the West Country. You're close enough to nip into Dorset for coastal walks or venture into Devon for moorland adventures, yet far enough from the holiday hordes to enjoy some peace. Several glamping options dot the area around Chard, offering a comfortable base without the formality of hotels.