Non-clone towns south of Birmingham

ThorOdinson

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81982988#Comment_81982988

Either/or/both.

strawb_shortcake

Tetbury and Cirencester are both nice.

Stroud has a fantastic farmers market on a Saturday

Murphybear

if you’re still looking then Sherborne in Dorset. Very few clone shops, there was a big one but they closed recently. Beautiful buildings plus 2 castles and an ancient Abbey. Multi award winning garden centre

Grumpy_chap

We stayed in Bath last year and it was delightful. There is Royal Crescent to visit, nice river to walk along (or take out a row boat), Jane Austen's house and Mary Shelley's House of Frankenstein, the Roman Baths, public accessible botanical gardens (no match for Kew, but no entry fee either).

We visited Exeter for a few days over New Year and it was quite interesting - a large shopping area (which is mostly large chains) but the Cathedral and cathedral square and a lovely river / canal which we enjoyed strolling along with the independent cafes to enjoy, very relaxing even in the depths of winter

nannytone_2

Wells in somerset

Murphybear

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81992071#Comment_81992071

I like Wells. They have a great market on Saturdays and Wednesdays

Linus2864

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6666384/non-clone-towns-south-of-birmingham

How far South do you want to go?

You could try Winchester - very historic and, although it has the usual range of High Street shops, they don't stand out as much. There are also quite a few independent shops and a market.

You could also try Lewes over in Sussex which is still quite twee.

Hope this helps

Grumpy_chap

Windsor - even the fast food burger giants have restaurant facias that are subtle rather than the bold colouring you normally get. There is a nice river to stroll along and watch the swans. There is a nice castle to walk around. The historical central train station is rather quaint and still operational but I have to recommend against catching the train from there as the only place the train goes to is Slough.

Emmia

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996428#Comment_81996428

That train does (if you sit on the correct side) have the most wonderful view of the castle - it's probably also the fastest route by train from London.

Grumpy_chap

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81996442#Comment_81996442

Aaah - yes, the train from Waterloo goes to Windsor & Eton Riverside, then you walk up the incline into the two centre. There is nothing special to say about Windsor & Eton Riverside station.

I was referring to the Windsor Central station (although that also seems to have been renamed Windsor & Eton Central now) which is right in the centre of town and really quaint and historic with just a couple of functional platforms remaining beyond the far end from which you can only travel to Slough on what is quite a quirky line altogether.

The other thing from Windsor is to walk across the bridge into Eton and there are very quaint restaurants, cafes, bars and shops. Alternatively, a little stroll away is Windsor Great Park where you can really get lost, enjoy an ice cream.

If staying in Windsor, LegoLand is in walking distance