The only reason most Brits have the slightest inkling that Estonia exists is because it occasionally makes it into the Eurovision Song Contest - and for those who care to remember, it even had the dubious honour of hosting it in 2002.

But don't let memories of that cheesy extravaganza put you off visiting what is actually a charming little country steeped in history. Besides, those who like their streets winding and cobbled and their marketplaces medieval could find Estonia so delightful they may well be tempted to burst into song themselves.

Estonia's atmospheric capital Tallinn seamlessly mixes its medieval walls and turrets with a thriving nightlife that won't break the bank. The Old Town lies at the heart of the city with the Raekoja plats as much the focus today as it was when blood-letting was the norm and budget flights which get you there in two and half hours from London were incomprehensible.

For a quick glimpse of history wander up from the marketplace to the Toompea, the hilltop stronghold of the German Knights who held the city under their steely rule during the Middle Ages.

A swift tour of the Kiek-in-de-Kok (actually, it means peep in the kitchen in low German) should give you sufficient background knowledge on Tallinn to appreciate the medieval intricacies of the city. And if living history is your thing, a quick jaunt to the Open Air Museum should sort out any pangs of nostalgia for days long past.

But if you still haven't had your fair share of cobbled streets then head to Tartu, a mere three hour bus ride from Tallinn. The pretty Town Hall Square has a charming Neoclassical twist with a lilac and purple town hall which wouldn't look out of place in Disneyworld.

But you can't go all the way to the Baltics and not go to the beach during the brief spells of good weather. The faded resort of Pärnu is the best option which has become something of an artist colony in its post-communist years.

Those who know their film and like contemporary art will be able to amuse themselves with the regular festivals and art collections which include works donated by Yoko Ono. And after a hard day casting a critical eye over the Estonian arts world, a trip to the neoclassical mud-baths will leave you as happy as a pig called Larry.

If by now you're desperate to ditch the bustle of town life, then there are enough deep pine forests and shimmering lakes to satisfy even the most demanding of hermits. Those with a particular fondness for juniper bushes would be well advised to head to the tranquil island of Saaremaa. And once you've had your fill of nature it's an easy trip to see the castle at Kuressaare, one of the finest in the Baltics no less.

But that's no wonder when you consider that Estonia has seen a parade of invading powers since the thirteenth century. After the Danes bounded into the country, the German crusading knights took over for a while until the Swedes and Russians decided to try their luck. After briefly escaping the clutches of oppression at the end of World War I, the Soviets then imposed their iron rule from 1940.

But finally in 1991 Estonia broke free and it has wasted no time in catching up the rest of the Western world. Now the only thing it does battle with is the frosty Russian wind which makes for a rather chilly experience if you visit in the winter. But then frostbite is a small price to pay for a country whose charm is sure to warm the cockles of your soul.