Kettering

The market town has shrugged off its industrial past with quiet confidence, emerging as a proper working community where chain stores mix with independent shops along the pedestrianised Newland Street. It's not trying to be anything it's not - just a decent Northamptonshire town that gets on with business.

Woodlands ring the outskirts like a green collar. King's Wood and Weekley Hall Wood offer proper country walks within minutes of the town centre, while smaller copses like Alder Wood and Monks Arbour Wood provide quick escapes for dog walkers and families. The Lighthouse Theatre keeps culture alive in the evening hours, staging everything from amateur dramatics to touring productions.

Children burn off energy at Kids Play Ltd or catch a cricket match at Great Oakley Cricket Club during summer months. Arena Sports handles the more serious athletic pursuits. Churches dot the residential areas - St John Ogilvie serves the Catholic community while Cornerstone Church and Danesholme United cater to other denominations.

Corby lies just down the A6003, while Northampton sits 15 miles south via the A14. Direct trains from Kettering station reach London St Pancras in about an hour, making this surprisingly well-connected for a Midlands market town.

Staying at one of the surrounding caravan parks makes sense if you're touring the East Midlands. Overstone Lakes and Sandy Hill Farm put you within striking distance of both the Cotswolds and Peak District, while keeping accommodation costs sensible. The town centre provides all the shopping and dining you'll need between countryside adventures.