Wellington has quite a bustling air about it, especially when the farmers market is on and stalls selling all manner of local goodies line the street; go and stock up and whilst you're here have a browse around - there are some quirky independent shops, supermarkets, and some good places to eat. If you're staying nearby go and watch a film one night at the art deco cinema. 

This is a big village with a big community who join in the events held throughout the year, especially the street fair on the first Bank Holiday in May. It's an attractive place with elegant Georgian houses and centuries old thatched cottages, and it's nice for a wander round exploring the little streets. If you fancy a bite to eat go to the Globe.

Go and explore Taunton, Somerset's county town where there are several high street shops and quirky independent retailers, especially in the historic Bath Place; on Thursdays the high street is in full swing with the Farmer's Market. Have a stroll through Vivary Park, maybe a go on the high ropes and low ropes at the Adventure Centre, or stroll along the river at Goodlands Gardens. Visit the County Museum, and round off your day with a bite to eat in one of the cafes, pubs and restaurants.

If you go to Tiverton go up the hill to the canal and get on a horse drawn barge for a trip along the water, or stroll along the towpath looking out for wildlife. When you get back have a drink on board the Duck's Ditty Floating Cafe Bar or go to the charming tea gardens. Back in town you can browse the shops, visit the museum and go to the romantic castle with its peaceful walled gardens. 

Honiton used to be renowned for its antique shops but these days there's a more of a mix, and it all gets quite bustling when the wide main street is lined wiht stalls on market days. In July every year they have Hot Pennies Day to honour an old tradition where hot pennies are scattered from windows. Best places to eat are The Holt or The Yellow Deli.

A quiet town on the River Barle in Exmoor National Park, where it's nice to stroll around the streets and browse the independent shops. There's a well stocked second hand bookshop, an excellent wine bar and a good pub on the bridge by the river, or go to one of the welcoming tea rooms for a fat slice of cake.

A medieval village with a castle towering high above the streets, a working water mill, an octagonal 17th century Yarn Market and lots of attractive cottages, shops and cafes. In December each year they hold Dunster by Candlelight, a very festive event with a wonderful atmosphere.  

Exeter is a vibrant city with a fantastic mix of big name retailers in the main street and at Princesshay, and quirky independent shops in Fore Street and Gandy Street. Take a stroll along the historic Quayside or through Rougemont Gardens, visit the fascinating RAM Museum, the glorious Gothic cathedral and the medieval Underground Passages. There's a huge choice of cafes, pubs and restaurants for when you're hungry.

It doesn't get much more chocolate-boxey than this; thatched cottages, an ancient church and a quiet village green. The backdrop of Exmoor's heather topped moors and the views out over Porlock Vale are breath taking; walk to Selworthy Beacon and head back to Periwinkle Cottage for a traditional Devon cream tea.

There's something very special about Topsham, not just the historic buildings, the lovely little shops and the estuary setting, it's more than that. Maybe it's the sense of calm, the maritime feel, who knows, but anyway, it's nice, so you should go there and have a wander round. There's a museum, a big antiques centre on the quay, and some very good places to eat, including Darts Farm on the edge of town.

Picture postcard stuff; a charming little village within the Holnicote Estate on Exmoor. There's a shop and post office, a working forge, centuries old cottages, and most famously of all, a 15th century packhorse bridge. Have a cream tea in the tiny tea shop, or at Cross Lane House Hotel just up the road; take the family to Exmoor Owl and Hawk Centre close by.

The pace of life slows down when you come to Porlock; it's a quiet Exmoor village where charming old cottages and welcoming shops line the narrow streets. Watch the world go by on the harbour at Porlock Weir, have a cream tea in Whortleberry Tea Rooms or pub grub at the 13th century Ship Inn. 

The smallest city in England with a magnificent cathedral, moated Bishop's Palace and the only complete medieval street in the country. The town is pretty good for a browse as it has a surprising mix of shops and places to eat, and twice a week the market place is bustling with stalls and shoppers. 

Bristol has such a great vibe; it's an upbeat and colourful city with countless things to see and do, shops and places to eat. Have a day exploring - see the Victorian Harbourside, elegant Clifton Village, the Arts Quarter at Christmas Steps, and Gloucester Road where it's all hip and happening. Visit Bristol Zoo Gardens and SS Great Britain; see Clifton Suspension Bridge and catch the balloon festival held once a year at Ashton Court.

This elegant suburb of Bristol is only 5 minutes from the city centre yet has an entirely different feel to it; an unhurried air amidst the Georgian and Regency architecture. Browse the independent shops, stroll along Birdcage Walk, see Clifton Suspension Bridge or go to Bristol Zoo Gardens. A lovely part of Bristol with some excellent places to eat.

There isn't another place like Clovelly anywhere; this privately owned village on the Devon coast is just so pretty, and there's no vehicular access, which makes it even better. Flower hung cottages, centuries old, line the cobbled hill down to the 14th century harbour, tucked peacefully between the steep cliffs; working donkeys carry things in and out of the village. Access is via admission charge from the Visitor Centre at the top of the hill.

Bath is one of the most elegant cities in the world, full of glorious Georgian architecture, heaps of Roman history, natural hot springs, scores of shops, places to eat, museums and galleries. It makes for a terrific day out for all ages, and if you want to escape the hustle and bustle just head for the sanctuary of the Abbey, or to Prior Park where you can follow the Bath Skyline Walk.

A vibrant city where there's heaps going on; a good mix of shops to browse, lots of places to eat and the cobbled Barbican and Sutton Harbour Historic Quarter where you can tuck into the freshest seafood, take a tour of the Devonport Dockyard or spend time on Plymouth Hoe where Sir Francis Drake famously played bowls before his defeat of the Spanish Armada.