Montgomery

Proper Georgian elegance meets Welsh border country here, where Montgomery Castle's ruins crown a hill above one of Wales' finest planned medieval towns. This small market town feels refreshingly unspoilt - the red-brick houses along Broad Street have barely changed since the 18th century, and you can still see the original burgage plots stretching back from the main thoroughfare.

Montgomery Castle dominates everything. The 13th-century fortress offers cracking views across the Severn Valley, and it's a proper scramble up the steep path - well worth it for the panorama. Down in town, the Georgian architecture is remarkably intact, making this feel more like a film set than a working Welsh community.

Rambling opportunities abound in the surrounding countryside. Pant Hill provides excellent walking with views stretching to the Brecon Beacons on clear days, while Eithin-y-gaer Wood and Turbury Plantation offer quieter forest trails. Mason's Bank Nature Reserve draws wildlife enthusiasts looking for red kites and buzzards.

Getting here requires a bit of planning - Montgomery sits on the A489 between Newtown and Shrewsbury, about 20 minutes from Welshpool. The nearest rail connection is Welshpool itself, then it's a short bus ride or taxi journey.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of the Welsh Marches. You're within easy reach of both Shropshire Hills and Powys countryside, with Bishops Castle and Welshpool both offering more substantial amenities for longer stays.