Droitwich

Salt crystals once made this Worcestershire market town wealthy beyond its dreams. Now Droitwich feels refreshingly unpretentious - a place where proper independent shops still line the high street and locals stop for a chat outside the post office. The famous brine baths that drew Victorian health seekers have long since closed, but the town's character remains appealingly down-to-earth.

Wander through the centre and you'll find Georgian terraces mixed with Tudor timber framing. Nothing flashy, just honest architecture that's weathered the centuries well. The real draw these days lies in the surrounding countryside - ancient woodlands like Shrawley Woods offer proper walking territory, while King's Wood provides miles of forest paths perfect for afternoon rambles.

Families gravitate towards the Dinosaur, Wildlife and Education Center, which does exactly what it says on the tin. Less obvious but well worth the detour is Astley Forge Mill, where you can still see how water power once drove local industry. The nearby plantations - Keybridge and Farmbank among them - create a green belt that makes this feel more rural than its proximity to Worcester suggests.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. The M5 runs practically alongside, making Droitwich an easy hop from Birmingham or the Cotswolds. Worcester sits just seven miles south if you need bigger-town amenities or a railway connection.

Staying at one of the local holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies or a pub lunch, but far enough out to wake up to proper countryside views. The network of footpaths and bridleways means you can explore for days without touching tarmac.