Newark

Market bells and castle walls set the tone here. Newark sits proudly on the River Trent, where medieval streets wind past independent shops and proper pubs that have been pulling pints since before the industrial revolution kicked off down south. The town centre feels properly lived-in - not polished for tourists but genuinely busy with locals going about their business.

Newark Castle dominates the skyline, its Norman keep still impressive despite centuries of weathering. The ruins overlook the Trent where narrowboats chug past Newark Marina, and you can easily spend an hour exploring the castle grounds. The town's market square buzzes twice weekly, though midweek it's delightfully quiet for a proper wander.

Church spires punctuate every view - the Church of St Mary Magdalene's tower is particularly striking, while Holy Trinity RC Church sits tucked away down a side street. Newark Palace isn't actually a palace but the town's main theatre, housed in a Victorian building that's seen better days but still puts on a cracking pantomime.

The surrounding Nottinghamshire countryside rolls away in gentle hills and farmland. It's a 20-minute drive to Nottingham if you fancy a big city fix, but honestly, there's enough here for a long weekend. The Kings Marina offers peaceful waterside walks, and Newark Library sits in a handsome Georgian building that's worth a peek even if you're not after a book.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense - you get the countryside quiet but can walk into town for dinner at a proper pub. Several parks dot the area within easy reach, from luxury glamping pods to traditional touring sites.