Springfield

Stroll west along the Kennet and Avon Canal towpath and the centre of Bath (20 minutes’ walk) beckons with its exquisite ancient Roman Baths complex, the Gothic-style abbey (look out for the street performers in the square outside) and heavenly wellness sessions at futuristic Thermae Bath Spa. You can visit museums showcasing modern art, Jane Austen, architecture or fashion, browse indie stores and eat your way across the world in pubs and restaurants. Turn east along the Kennet and Avon towpath and amble along to Claverton Pumping Station (an hour) to see a two-centuries-old engineering masterpiece still at work. Carry on for another 20 minutes to Dundas Aqueduct, an impressive stone bridge completed in 1810 by canal architect John Rennie that carries the canal over the River Avon – it’s also a popular place for wild swimming if you need to cool off in summer. If you have kids with you, take them to meet pigs, goats and Shetland ponies at Bath City Farm (15 minutes’ drive), or book well in advance to get up close to sleek grey wolves at The Little Zoo (also 15 minutes).