Peterborough

Stone-built honey-coloured houses line cobbled streets that have barely changed since medieval times. This is proper market town England - the sort of place where independent bookshops thrive and the weekly market still draws crowds from miles around. Oundle sits snugly in the Nene Valley, its ancient buildings telling stories that stretch back centuries.

The town centres around a magnificent market place, watched over by St Peter's Church with its soaring spire. Wander down the side streets and you'll stumble upon The Prebendal Manor, a medieval gem that's seen kings and queens pass through its doors. Just outside town, the ruins of Fotheringhay Castle mark where Richard III was born and Mary Queen of Scots met her end - proper history, this.

Elton Hall and Gardens makes for a cracking day out, its stunning parkland perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Nene Valley countryside rolls away in all directions, dotted with ancient woodlands like Short Wood and Southwick Wood Nature Reserve. It's walking country par excellence.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A605 runs right past, connecting to the A14 for longer journeys. Corby's the nearest proper town, about twenty minutes south.

Staying at one of the local parks puts you right in the heart of rural Northamptonshire. Ferry Meadows sits beside the river, while Rockingham Forest Park offers woodland pitches. Both give you easy access to Oundle's delights plus the broader countryside - Stamford's just up the road, and you're well placed for exploring the Nene Valley's string of lovely villages.