Swindon

Railway history runs deep through this corner of North Wiltshire, where the Great Western Railway's legacy still shapes the landscape around what was once a major junction town. The SN6 postcode covers the quieter northern reaches, where rolling countryside gives way to the Thames Valley and the Cotswolds beckon just beyond the horizon.

Cricklade sits at the heart of this area - England's first town on the Thames, complete with its Saxon church of St Sampson and a proper market square that's seen better days but retains its character. The town's position at the meeting of ancient ridgeways made it significant long before the railway arrived. These days it's a peaceful spot for canal walks along the Thames Path, though the high street can feel rather sleepy midweek.

Poulton Hill offers cracking views across the valley on clear days. Not much of a climb really, but worth it for the perspective over this gentle farming country. The area's dotted with reminders of wartime aviation - RAF Down Ampney Memorial marks where airborne forces trained for D-Day operations.

Transport links remain excellent thanks to that railway heritage. Swindon's just down the line with its direct services to London, while the M4 cuts through nearby for easy access to Bath or Oxford. This makes the area ideal for exploring both the emerging Cotswolds to the north and Wiltshire's chalk downs to the south.

Staying at one of the holiday parks around here puts you within easy reach of Cirencester's Roman heritage and the picturesque villages beyond. The countryside feels properly rural despite being well connected - a rare combination that makes this overlooked corner of Wiltshire rather appealing for a touring base.