Park nearby for a relaxing stroll around the old town centre, including the traditional Weser Renaissance architecture and half-timbered houses, a 1,000-year-old cathedral and the former defensive walls - the Glacis - now restored as a little ribbon of parkland. Lively but not hectic, it's a lovely place to explore and unwind. You could also make time to visit the Wasserstrassenkreuz - the 'crossroads' of the Mittelland canal and the Weser river. A small marvel of Germany's engineering, a few kilometres away, it remains a local point of pride; cruises are popular in summer. Once you're ready to explore further afield, why not drive out to Porta Westfalica - the "Westphalian Gate". Perched on a wooded hilltop, Germany's first emperor, Wilhelm I, looks out across the plains and rolling hills from his imposing monument, built in a less problematic age of Germany's national pride. It's the perfect point to start a wider road trip around the region.