Famous for the brightly coloured Georgian houses that line the town’s pretty quay, Aberaeron has become something of a foodie hub in recent years, with the Cellar Restaurant voted the best in Wales in 2019.
Yorkshire’s gastro capital is a bustling market town with foodie shops selling everything from locally made gelato to beer, cheese and even macaron.
Famed for its spa waters, Buxton is an elegant mix of Georgian and Victorian architecture, with a lively bar and cafe culture, and an Edwardian opera house that also hosts theatre, dance and comedy nights.
A chic county town near the coast, Chichester is ideal for an arty weekend, with its renowned theatre and Pallant House Gallery.
The town is dotted with craft shops and food producers: try Made in Argyll for fabrics, ceramics and artworks, or foodie treats at Taste of Argyll, and visit Oban Distillery to taste its single malt.
A prosperous wool town in the 15th and 16th centuries, it has a bohemian feel, with art galleries, antique shops and knitwear designers.
Pack up a picnic for a stroll through Cirencester park – 3,000 acres of geometrically designed grounds, or visit the Cotswold Water Park to try wakeboarding, SUP or just pottering around in a kayak.
Dominated by its 11th-century castle and famous as one of England’s premier foodie hubs, Ludlow is the perfect weekend-break package, with walking and cycling trails stretching out from the town.
Stay at the Bear, a 15th-century coaching inn with rooms that mix traditional features with contemporary styling, and a restaurant serving hearty Welsh dishes.
A charming market town dotted with historic buildings, including the Merchant’s House – one of the finest 17th-century homes open to visitors – and St Peter’s Church, which offers fantastic views of the Cotswolds from the top of the tower.