Sunrise in Savernake Forest, near Marlborough. Photograph: Wolstenholme Images/Alamy
A charming market town dotted with historic buildings, including the Merchantâs House â one of the finest 17th-century homes open to visitors â and St Peterâs Church, which offers fantastic views of the Cotswolds from the top of the tower. Spend mornings browsing market stalls, then head out for walks in the nearby Savernake Forest, or along the waymarked trails that lead from the town into the North Wessex AONB. Stay at the Marlborough, a restored 15th-century inn with five rooms, set on the townâs buzzy high street.
Doubles from £60 B&B, themarlboroughgroup.co.uk