Lancaster

Red sandstone dominates the skyline here, with Lancaster Castle's imposing towers watching over the River Lune valley below. This ancient county town has proper gravitas - none of that sanitised heritage park nonsense you get elsewhere. The cobbled streets around the castle quarter still echo with centuries of history, while the Priory Church of St Mary stands as one of England's finest examples of medieval architecture.

Wander beyond the tourist trail and you'll find the real Lancaster. The Ancient Oak & Fish Steps offer a lovely riverside walk, particularly when the Lune is running high after autumn rains. For those wanting elevation, the trek up to Gray's Seat rewards with cracking views across the valley - well worth the bit of a climb on a clear day.

The surrounding countryside is proper Lancashire fell country. Mill Wood and Crymes Wood provide excellent walking, while Blea Tarn Reservoir sits quietly among the hills, perfect for an afternoon's contemplation. Caton Moor Picnic Site gives you the panoramic views without the full hill walk, though the more adventurous will find Potts Hill and Halton Hill offer wilder terrain.

Getting here couldn't be easier - Lancaster sits right on the M6 with excellent rail connections to Manchester and London. The West Coast Main Line stops right in the city centre, making it brilliantly accessible for a long weekend escape.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring both the historic city and the surrounding Lune Valley. You're close enough for evening strolls along the river, yet far enough out to wake up to proper countryside views rather than traffic noise.