Ashford

Gateway to the Garden of England, this market town sits where the Kent Downs meet the Romney Marsh. Ashford's got that proper working-town feel - busy high street, solid railway connections, but surrounded by countryside that'll surprise you.

Woodchurch Museum tells the story of Kent's agricultural heritage, housed in what was once the village school. Worth a proper visit if you're keen on local history. The real draw here though is the sheer number of ancient woodlands within striking distance. Spring Wood and Maiden Wood offer brilliant walks, while the mysteriously named Hells Hole provides more adventurous rambling through dense canopy.

Twenty Acre Wood and Eight Acre Wood sound like something from a children's story, but they're real enough - perfect for afternoon strolls when you need to stretch your legs. Honeyfield Wood lives up to its name in late summer, buzzing with wildlife.

The surrounding countryside rolls away in all directions. North towards Canterbury, south to the coast at Hythe and Folkestone. It's a 20-minute drive to the Channel Tunnel if you fancy a day trip to France.

Ashford International makes this spot brilliant for both London day trips and continental adventures. Direct trains to St Pancras in just over an hour. The M20 runs right past too, so you're well connected whatever your plans.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You get the best of both worlds - easy access to Ashford's amenities and transport links, but you're camping in proper Kent countryside. The woods are practically on your doorstep, and you can explore different forests each day without venturing far from base.