Kenilworth

The red sandstone ruins of Kenilworth Castle tower over this Warwickshire town like ancient sentinels, their romantic silhouette visible from miles around. This isn't your typical market town - it's got proper character, with independent shops lining the high street and enough history to keep you digging for weeks.

Castle aside, Kenilworth feels refreshingly unstuffy. The town centre buzzes with local life, particularly around the weekly market, while the surrounding countryside rolls away in gentle folds towards Coventry and Warwick. You'll find some cracking woodland walks too - Brickyard Spinney and the various coppices like Parlour and Moat offer proper escapes just minutes from the centre.

Golf enthusiasts should make a beeline for Widney Manor Golf Course, which offers decent greens without the pretension of some Warwickshire clubs. The area's also dotted with some rather touching memorials - The Hope Stone Covid Memorial and the grave of Harry Williams, who penned 'It's a Long Way to Tipperary', remind you that history isn't always about kings and castles.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. Berkswell station puts you on the direct line from Birmingham, while Dorridge connects you to London. The M40 runs nearby too, making this an ideal spot for exploring the heart of England. Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around the area - from traditional touring sites like Somers Wood to the more luxurious Knight's Village at Warwick Castle - gives you the perfect base for day trips to Stratford, Warwick, and even the Cotswolds. The countryside here is properly English - rolling, green, and peppered with ancient woodland that makes every dog walk feel like an adventure.