Peterborough

Those railway arches and brick terraces tell only half the story. Yes, Peterborough's got that proper working city feel - shopping centres, roundabouts, the lot - but step beyond the ring road and you'll find something rather lovely.

The star turn here is Ferry Meadows in Nene Park, a sprawling country park that transforms what could be a grim urban break into something genuinely restorative. Gunwade Lake sits at its heart, perfect for a morning walk before the crowds arrive. The River Nene meanders through it all, and those old lock systems make for decent photo opportunities.

Chesterton Hill offers cracking views across the Fens - worth the short trek for sunset, though it's hardly a mountain hike. Nearby, Caldecote Wood provides proper woodland walking, the sort where you might actually forget you're near a major town. The Church of St Kyneburgha in Castor is worth seeking out too, a Norman beauty that most folk drive straight past.

History buffs will find Washingley's archaeological sites intriguing, though there's not much left standing - more for the imagination than Instagram. The Pyramid gallery in town centre does decent contemporary exhibitions, assuming you fancy something cultural between countryside jaunts.

Getting here's straightforward enough - Peterborough sits bang on the A1, with regular trains from London King's Cross taking just over an hour. The surrounding Fenland opens up endless cycling possibilities, dead flat and surprisingly peaceful once you escape the suburbs.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Ferry Meadows Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite puts you right in the countryside without the usual trek. Castle Farm Campsite offers another rural base, while Stamford Meadows Glamping adds a touch more comfort. Either way, you're perfectly placed to explore both Peterborough's urban offerings and the gentler Fenland beyond.