In the city that inspired great minds from Charles Darwin to Stephen Hawking, you'll find one of the world's oldest universities, the 1871 Gothic- revival All Saints Church and the gardens favoured by 17th-century poet John Milton. Cambridge is also home to ADC Theatre, the oldest university playhouse in England. Evenings are perfect for taking in the mix of traditional pubs and contemporary restaurants. Climb the tower of the University's Great St Mary's Church for sweeping views of the city.

Generally a quiet place graced with lovely terrain for strolling, Glastonbury is very busy in the summer because of its music festival. Best known for contemporary music, the festival has attracted almost 200,000 people in recent years (whereas Glastonbury's full-time population is only 9,000 or so). There are a number of historical monuments to see in the area, including Glastonbury Lake Village, Glastonbury Abbey and the Somerset Rural Life Museum. We can't say that the weather is always good, but on a sunny day you can't go wrong!

The city planners in Staunton, Virginia, were very careful to preserve the town's heritage, keeping power lines and cell towers out of view in the historic districts, allowing nothing to interrupt the charm of local restaurants and shops operating out of original Victorian storefronts. Staunton is also the home to the Frontier Culture Museum, The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and the American Shakespeare Center, staging plays at the world's only replica of the Blackfriars Playhouse.