Presteigne

Former county town status leaves its mark everywhere in this quietly dignified Welsh border settlement. Once the administrative heart of old Radnorshire, Presteigne retains that sense of understated importance - Georgian houses line the streets with proper composure, while the medieval St Mary's Church anchors the town centre with considerable authority.

Beyond the historic core, wild hills rise on all sides. Glôg Hill and Bryn Glas offer proper walking country, while Black Hill provides cracking views across the Radnor Forest. The landscape here is gloriously uncompromising - rolling uplands dotted with ancient sites like Bleddfa Castle and Castle Foel-Allt, where you can still trace earthwork remains from centuries past.

Woodhouse Wood makes for lovely rambling on quieter afternoons. More ambitious types head for Mynydd Ffoesidoes Nature Reserve, where the Welsh uplands really show their character. Granner Pool sits tucked between the folds of hills, offering respite from all that climbing.

Getting here requires a bit of planning. Llandrindod Wells is your nearest railway station, about 20 minutes by car through proper countryside. The A44 brings you straight into town from the east, while smaller roads snake in from all directions.

Staying at one of the local parks makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of the Welsh borders. Presteigne Holiday Park puts you right in town, while spots like Pearl Lake Country Holiday Park and Heart of the Wye Glamping offer more secluded bases. The surrounding peaks and ancient sites are all within easy reach, and you're well-placed for day trips into both the Wye Valley and deeper into the Radnor Hills.