SOMERSET, Wiltshire and Dorset were all represented at the top of a table listing the UK’s favourite inland destinations.

Consumer brand Which? surveyed more than 9,000 members, asking them to rate their experiences visiting inland locations, with criteria including scenery, food and drink, peace and quiet, attractions and value for money.

Unsurprisingly for many of us living in the area, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset were top of the table.

Wells, one of the UK’s smallest cities, topped the chart, with an approval rating of 83%.

In second place was Amesbury, Wiltshire, with a score of 82%, while Dorset favourite, Corfe Castle, was in third place with a score of 80%.

In recent years Wells has proved a favourite with filmmakers, providing the backdrop for big-screen hits such as cop comedy Hot Fuzz – it is the hometown of director Edgar Wright – as well as Dungeons and Dragons and Wolf Hall.

The medieval city scored five stars for attractiveness and tourist attractions, scoring four stars for shopping, scenery, food and drink.

Avebury, which topped the table last year, scored five stars for scenery and attractiveness. Close to Stonehenge, Avebury was also praised for its picturesque thatched cottages, Georgian townhouses and 19th-century pub.

Corfe Castle, famed as one of Enid Blyton’s favourite spots, was rated a full five stars for tourist attractions and scenery, with visitors able to enjoy ambling through the castle ruins.

Ludlow in Shropshire, Stamford in Lincolnshire, Lavenham in Suffolk, Grasmere in Cumbria, and Llangollen in Denbighshire tied in fourth position, each with a destination score of 79 per cent.

Rory Boland, editor of Which? Travel, said: “From famed tourist towns to lesser-known villages, this year’s survey has captured the range of unique destinations the UK has to offer.

“While the picturesque South West took the top spots, there are beautiful towns and villages in Scotland, Wales and from across England in the top 10 – meaning there is a fantastic place to visit on your doorstep no matter where you live.”