Preston

Students flood the streets around the university campus, giving this Lancashire city a youthful energy that cuts through its industrial heritage. Preston sits at the heart of the Ribble Valley, where red-brick terraces stretch toward rolling countryside that feels wonderfully remote despite being just an hour from Manchester.

The city centre has seen better days, frankly. But look beyond the chain shops and you'll find some proper character. The old cotton mills still dominate the skyline, and the covered market buzzes with traders who've been here for decades. Preston's real charm lies in its position as a jumping-off point for Lancashire's finest landscapes.

Twenty minutes north, the Forest of Bowland unfolds in spectacular fashion - proper walking country with stone villages tucked into valleys that time forgot. Head west and you'll hit the coast at Lytham St Annes, where Victorian elegance meets sandy beaches that stretch for miles.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Preston station sits on the West Coast Main Line, with direct trains from London taking just over two hours. The M6 runs right past if you're driving, making it a doddle to reach from most of England.

Staying at one of the holiday parks dotted around the area makes perfect sense. Ribby Hall Village offers family-friendly facilities, while spots like Four Seasons Glamping give you a taste of countryside living without the fuss. You're close enough to nip into Preston for supplies or a decent curry, but far enough out to wake up to birdsong rather than traffic.