Salisbury

The spire pierces the sky like a medieval exclamation mark, drawing your eye from miles across the Wiltshire downs. Salisbury's 13th-century cathedral dominates this ancient city where history feels immediate rather than dusty. Market Square still buzzes on Tuesdays and Saturdays, just as it has for centuries.

Wander beyond the cathedral close and you'll find a proper English market town that hasn't sold its soul to chain stores. Independent shops line the pedestrianised streets, while ancient pubs serve decent pints to locals and tourists alike. The River Avon meanders through, creating pleasant riverside walks when you need a break from the medieval architecture.

Venture into the surrounding countryside and you're spoilt for choice. Stonehenge sits just eight miles north - close enough for an early morning visit before the coaches arrive. The rolling chalk downs offer brilliant walking, with views stretching to Hampshire's Test Valley. Old Sarum, the original hilltop settlement, provides cracking panoramas over the Avon valley.

Getting here couldn't be easier. Direct trains from London Waterloo take 90 minutes, while the A303 brings drivers from the west. The city centre's compact enough to explore on foot, though you'll want wheels for the wider area.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough for evening strolls into town, yet far enough out to enjoy proper countryside mornings. Several sites offer easy access to both Salisbury's attractions and the ancient monuments scattered across this remarkable landscape. It's an ideal base for exploring one of England's most historically rich corners.