Quintessentially English – historic buildings and glorious countryside. Slightly exotic – flamboyant, and loud, peacocks wander the streets. And a starring role as an historic Cornish town – Ross Poldark brooded his way around here… The Wiltshire market town of Corsham is something of a hidden treasure.

Just 20 minutes from Bath, and 15 minutes from J17 of the M4, Corsham sits on the edge of the Cotswolds. Its history is linked to wool and stone: the wool from the Flemish weavers who based themselves here; the stone from the famous Bath Stone, quarried beneath the parish and used in many of the town’s historic buildings. Chief among those is Corsham Court (www.corsham-court.co.uk) – home to a collection of celebrated Old Masters, displayed in a 72-foot long picture gallery designed by Capability Brown, proving that his skills extended past designing Corsham Court’s extensive gardens.

If it’s more contemporary art you’re looking for then that’s at The Pound (www.poundarts.org.uk), Corsham’s gallery and theatre. Alternatively, if it’s the art of shopping you enjoy, then Corsham’s range of independent shops mean you’ll find everything from collectible comics and toys, to vintage wares, arts and crafts and gloriously different gifts. You’ll also find great places for food and drink and, if all that weren’t enough, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of Ross Poldark – the hit BBC One drama was filmed in the High Street. It’s yet another surprise in a town full of them.