Preston

The rows of red-brick terraces climb steadily up the hillsides, while above them the moorland stretches endlessly towards the Yorkshire border. Preston's PR3 postcode covers the northern reaches where the town gives way to proper Lancashire countryside - think dry stone walls, sheep-dotted fields, and the kind of views that make you understand why people never leave.

Longridge sits at the heart of this area, a market town that's managed to keep its character despite being within easy reach of Preston's city centre. The Palace theatre still draws crowds for its pantomimes, while Christ Church anchors the town square with its Victorian solidity. Head out from the centre and you'll find yourself among the reservoirs - Alston Reservoir No.1 and No.2 are particularly good for a quiet walk, though they're working reservoirs rather than beauty spots.

Spring Wood and Alston Wood offer proper woodland walks when the weather's decent. The landscape here is classic Pennine foothills - rolling rather than dramatic, but with enough elevation to give you cracking views back towards Preston and the coast on clear days. It's farming country mostly, with the kind of deep green fields that look impossibly bright after rain.

Getting here is straightforward enough - the A59 runs right through Longridge, connecting you to Preston in about twenty minutes and the M6 beyond that. It's far enough out to feel properly rural but close enough to nip into town when you need to.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around this area makes perfect sense if you want to explore both Preston's attractions and the Lancashire countryside. You're well-positioned for day trips to the Forest of Bowland, yet still within striking distance of the coast at Blackpool.