Henley-in-Arden

Two medieval coaching inns still anchor the High Street here, their timber frames telling stories from when this was a proper market town on the old London to Birmingham route. Henley-in-Arden feels refreshingly untouched by the homogenisation that's swept through so many Warwickshire towns - independent shops still outnumber chains, and the tree-lined High Street has genuine character.

You'll find the Heritage Centre tucked away in an old courthouse, doing a cracking job of explaining how this place prospered from the wool trade. The remains of Beaudesert Castle sit quietly in nearby woodland - not much left standing, but the earthworks give you a proper sense of its medieval importance. It's a lovely walk through May's Wood to reach it.

Rail connections couldn't be better. The station sits right on the Birmingham to Stratford line, making day trips effortless in either direction. Stratford's just fifteen minutes south, while Birmingham's half an hour north. That accessibility partly explains why the antique shops here do such good trade - weekend browsers arrive by train from across the Midlands.

Wootton Wawen, barely two miles north, adds another layer to any visit. The marina there makes for pleasant waterside strolling, while Wootton Pool attracts serious anglers and casual dog walkers alike. The surrounding countryside rolls gently between patches of ancient woodland like Roundhill Coppice and Bannam's Wood.

Staying at one of the nearby parks gives you the best of both worlds - rural peace after the day trippers have gone home, but easy access to proper pubs and shops when you need them. The train station means you can explore without moving the car.