Slough

First-time visitors to Slough tend to start at one of its activity centres rather than a landmark, and that says a lot about the place. A morning at Go Ape Black Park swinging through the treetops, an afternoon at Jump In by AirHop or Jump Giants West London bouncing off the walls, or a spin around Slough Ice Arena are the kind of things people actually plan a trip around here. Add Globe Trotters Adventure Golf for something gentler, or Kris Cruisers if you fancy getting out on the water, and you have the makings of a full day before you have even thought about Windsor, which sits close by.

Slough itself is a working Berkshire town, well connected rather than picturesque, and that practicality shows in where people stay. Options range from simple guest houses like Airport Guest House, AJ Lodge and Colnbrook Lodge Guest House, useful if you are passing through to or from Heathrow, up to more established hotels such as Copthorne Hotel Slough Windsor, Classic Lodges' Grovefield House Hotel Windsor, and Burnham Beeches Hotel, which sits nearer the countryside on the town's edge. Colnbrook Hotel London Heathrow Airport and Baylis House add further choice depending on whether you are here for the airport or for a few days exploring the area.

Families and groups looking to fill a weekend have plenty to work with. Snowball Farm Equestrian Centre and Salt Hill Activity Centre give a more outdoorsy, slower-paced option away from the trampoline parks, and Black Park itself is a natural stop if you have enjoyed Go Ape and want to stay in the woods a while longer. It is easy to build a two or three day visit around a mix of these, with Windsor within easy reach for a change of pace.

When it comes to eating, Slough's range is broad and largely unpretentious. The Indian Cart is a good shout for something spiced and satisfying, The Central Social works well for a relaxed evening out, and Toby Carvery covers the traditional Sunday roast crowd reliably. Village Cafe and Treatz are handy for a casual coffee or bite between activities, while options like TNS Catering @ Travelport reflect the town's strong links to business travel and the airport trade.

Altogether, Slough works best as a base for doing things rather than sightseeing in the traditional sense. Come with a plan built around its adventure parks, ice rink and canal trips, add a hotel that suits your budget, and use its position near Windsor and Heathrow to your advantage.