Peterborough

Medieval cathedral towers pierce a surprisingly green skyline here, where the Great Eastern Railway turned a market town into something bigger. Peterborough sits at the crossroads of ancient routes, with the River Nene threading through water meadows that feel more rural than you'd expect from a city of this size.

The cathedral dominates the old centre, its Norman facade one of the finest in England. But venture beyond the tourist trail and you'll find the real character: Flag Fen's Bronze Age archaeology tells stories 3,000 years old, while Ferry Meadows Country Park offers proper countryside minutes from the high street. The Rowing & Canoe Course here hosts national events, though most visitors just fancy a paddle.

Thorpe Wood Nature Reserve surprises many. Ancient woodland meets modern parkland, with trails winding past Osier Lake and through Cuckoos' Hollow - both excellent for birdwatching if you're up early enough. The heritage railway runs steam services at weekends, stopping at Overton for Ferry Meadows station.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. The A1 sweeps past to the west, while trains from King's Cross take just 50 minutes. Cambridge lies 30 miles south, but Peterborough feels more Midlands than East Anglia - perhaps it's the industrial heritage mixing with fenland farming.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. Ferry Meadows Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite puts you right in the country park itself, while The Nest Glamping offers something more luxurious. Either way, you're minutes from both countryside walks and the cathedral's evening services.