Stafford

Market towns don't get much more proper than this. Stafford sits comfortably in the heart of Staffordshire, a working town that's refreshingly free of tourist frippery but packed with genuine character. The surrounding countryside rolls away in gentle waves - prime farming land dotted with ancient parish churches like All Saint's Parish Church Milwich, where centuries of local families have marked life's big moments.

Walk through the centre and you'll find a town that takes itself seriously without being stuffy. Independent shops still hold their own against the chains. Cafes serve decent coffee and proper bacon butties. The weekly market brings farmers and traders from across the county, just as it has for hundreds of years.

Nature lovers shouldn't miss The Flowers at Field, a lovely nature reserve that proves you don't need dramatic peaks or crashing waves for a good day out. The wildlife here is surprisingly varied, and the walking paths are well maintained without feeling overly managed. The Field at Field offers another slice of genuine countryside - the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. Stafford sits bang on the West Coast Main Line, with regular trains from London, Birmingham, and Manchester. The M6 runs nearby too, making it dead easy by car. It's about 16 miles north of Wolverhampton if you need a reference point.

Staying at one of the holiday parks scattered around the area makes perfect sense. You get proper countryside peace at night but can nip into town for supplies or a pub lunch without any hassle. Several parks like Springfields Countryside Caravan and Camping Park offer that proper rural feel, while places like Canalside Camping let you wake up beside the old canal network that once powered Britain's industrial revolution.