The Firs

History (in the form of a famed cathedral and the 18th-century Mompesson House) sits cheek-by-jowl with a range of shops and places to eat in Salisbury (20 minutes’ drive). If you fancy a car-free jaunt, the city is also easily accessible from the site by bus. Prehistoric Stonehenge (half an hour) is a must-see, of course, but were you aware that there’s also a second Neolithic site – Woodhenge – about the same distance away? If ancient druids are your thing, you might also want to venture up to Avebury Stone Circle (around an hour). For tiddler-pleasing days, head over to Paultons Park (half an hour) for rides and an audience with Peppa Pig, or aim for the wilder beasts that roam the plains of Longleat Safari Park (just under an hour). If you fancy filling a day or two with rural rambles (and maybe a pub lunch or two along the way), cross into Hampshire for the trails and taverns of the New Forest. First-timers may like to get their bearings at Lyndhurst’s New Forest Heritage Centre (half an hour).