Gloucester

Rolling hills frame this ancient cathedral city where Roman walls still stand guard over modern life. Gloucester feels properly lived-in rather than polished for tourists - the kind of place where locals still pop to Sainsbury's after visiting the magnificent Cathedral, its Norman tower visible from miles around.

The Cathedral dominates everything, naturally. But venture beyond and you'll find The Cliff offering cracking views across the Severn Vale, while Wainlode Hill provides a proper climb for anyone wanting to stretch their legs. Norton Hill and Sandhurst Hill make for decent afternoon walks too, though nothing too strenuous.

What really sets this area apart is the woodland. Handley Wood, Mixhill Wood, and half a dozen other copses dot the landscape like green islands. Badger Holes lives up to its name if you're quiet enough at dusk. The Preaching Cross tells its own medieval story to anyone who bothers to seek it out.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the M5 runs practically past your door, and the railway connects directly to London Paddington. Bristol's only 45 minutes down the motorway.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Court Farm Camping or Briarfields makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into the city centre for dinner at a proper gastropub, yet far enough out to wake up to birdsong rather than traffic. The surrounding countryside begs exploration, from the wooded slopes of Foscombe Hill to the quieter paths through Deans Coppice. It's that rare thing - a base that works whether you fancy culture or countryside.