Addlestone

The aviation heritage runs deep here, with an impressive collection of vintage aircraft including the Vickers VC10 'Sultan of Oman' and BAC One-Eleven telling stories of Britain's aerospace golden age. This Surrey town sits comfortably between the Thames and the M25, making it a proper base for exploring both London and the Home Counties without the capital's chaos.

Addlestone itself keeps things low-key. The high street does the essentials well enough, though it's hardly a destination in its own right. What really draws people is the location - you're within striking distance of Windsor Great Park, the Thames Path, and some cracking countryside walks around St George's Hill.

Weybridge station puts you in London Waterloo in under 40 minutes, while the M25 junction means the rest of Surrey opens up quickly by car. Head south and you'll hit the Surrey Hills within a fortnight's drive. North takes you to Windsor Castle and Runnymede, where the Magna Carta was signed.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Weybridge Park Estates gives you the best of both worlds. You get the peace of the Surrey countryside but with proper transport links when you fancy a day in town. The Thames is never far away either - perfect for riverside walks or messing about on the water around Weybridge and Walton-on-Thames.

For families, Chessington World of Adventures Resort is practically on the doorstep. The kids get their thrills while you appreciate being close enough to escape the crowds come evening.