Ledbury

On the edge of the Cotswolds, between Hereford and the Malverns is the picture postcard market town of Ledbury: medieval half-timbered houses and plenty of small antique shops dotted along the meandering narrow streets.

Brimming with wonderful black and white buildings Ledbury is best explored lazily, stopping to browse in the plentiful shops or enjoy a nice cup of tea. The best example of the town's timber-framed houses is the Market House which dates from the 17th century. To learn a bit more about the town's past there is a folk museum in Butcher's Row House.

There is a lovely driving circuit known as the Ledbury Loop, about 17 miles along gentle secondary roads through the beautiful Herefordshire countryside.