Trowbridge

The county town of Wiltshire gets a bit of unfair stick, but Trowbridge has more going for it than most people realise. Sure, it's not Bath with all the Georgian grandeur, but this working town has a proper character that's refreshingly unpretentious.

The town centre might feel a touch quiet midweek, but that's part of its appeal - no tourist crowds jostling for space. What Trowbridge lacks in obvious glamour, it makes up for with its position as a brilliant base for exploring some of Wiltshire's finest countryside and historic gems. Just a short drive out, you'll find Westwood Manor, the National Trust's exquisite late medieval manor house that's well worth the trip for its intricate stonework alone.

Farleigh Hungerford Castle sits within easy reach too, offering cracking views across the Somerset border. The ruins tell stories of medieval power and family feuds that bring history properly alive. For those preferring gentler pursuits, the surrounding countryside is laced with ancient woodlands - Birch Wood, Peart Wood and Down Wood all offer lovely walks without the crowds you'd find closer to Bath.

Getting here couldn't be easier. The town sits right on the main railway line between London and the West Country, with regular services that'll have you here in under two hours from Paddington. The A361 provides straightforward road access too.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. Places like Brokerswood Holiday Park or Stowford Manor Farm put you within striking distance of both the Cotswolds and Somerset, while keeping accommodation costs sensible. You're close enough to Bath for day trips but far enough away to avoid the premium prices.