Crewkerne

Market squares don't come much more authentic than Crewkerne's on a Tuesday morning. This proper Somerset market town sits at the junction of ancient trading routes, and it still feels like the working heart of rural England rather than a tourist destination.

The honey-coloured Ham stone buildings tell the story of centuries of prosperity built on sailcloth and lace-making. St Bartholomew's Church dominates the skyline with its soaring tower - climb it for cracking views across the Blackdown Hills. The Crewkerne Heritage Centre does a decent job explaining how this unassuming town once clothed Nelson's navy.

Victoria Hall still hosts proper variety shows and amateur dramatics. It's the sort of place where the locals actually turn up, which says something about a community's spirit. The museum might be small, but it's lovingly curated and worth a quick browse between shops.

Surrounding countryside rolls away in gentle Somerset fashion - the Blackdown Hills to the north offer excellent walking, while Dorset's coast beckons just twenty minutes south. You're perfectly placed here for exploring both counties without the tourist crowds.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the train station sits right in town with direct services from London Waterloo. By car, you're just off the A30, making it a natural stopping point between Devon's coast and London.

Staying at one of the local camping spots makes perfect sense. Thorney Lakes Caravan & Camping Park and Hidden Valley Dorset both offer peaceful bases for exploring the area, while glamping options like Swallowfield provide more comfort after days tramping the hills. You can potter into town for supplies, grab a proper pub lunch, then retreat to your pitch for the evening.