Thirsk

James Herriot put this North Yorkshire market town on the map, and wandering the cobbled streets today, you can see why the famous vet fell for the place. Thirsk moves at a properly Yorkshire pace - unhurried, unpretentious, with a Thursday market that's been running since the 13th century.

The old coaching inn on the square still stands proud, while St. Mary the Virgin dominates the skyline with its medieval tower. It's the sort of place where locals still chat over garden gates and the high street hasn't been entirely colonised by chain shops. Well, not yet anyway.

Venture beyond the town centre and you'll find yourself in prime Herriot country. Monk Park Farm offers a cracking day out for families, while the surrounding countryside is laced with ancient woodlands - Spring Wood and Saint Agnes Wood are lovely for a ramble. History buffs will enjoy seeking out the ruins of Upsall Castle and Kirby Knowle Castle, both short drives from town.

Thirsk sits bang in the middle of some of Yorkshire's finest walking country. The Pennines rise to the west, while the North York Moors stretch eastward. From archaeological sites like Silver Hill to the various forest walks around Brewster Hill Wood and Holme Wood, there's enough outdoor pursuits to keep you busy for a fortnight.

Getting here couldn't be easier - the A19 runs right past, and there's a proper railway station on the Leeds-Newcastle line. Several holiday parks dot the surrounding countryside, making Thirsk an excellent base for exploring both the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors without the tourist crowds that plague Harrogate or York.