Christchurch

Sandy beaches stretch right up to the New Forest's edge here, making this corner of Hampshire feel more like a seaside resort than a typical market town. The Avon and Stour rivers meet just inland from Christchurch Harbour, creating a proper maze of waterways that's brilliant for messing about in boats.

Christchurch Priory dominates the town centre - it's been here for nearly a thousand years and still draws crowds with its Norman architecture. The high street runs down towards the harbour, where you can catch a ferry across to Mudeford Sandbank. That's where the real beach action happens, with proper sand dunes and beach huts that change hands for eye-watering sums.

The New Forest starts just a few miles north, and you can walk straight into it from some of the holiday parks around here. Black Hill offers cracking views across the heathland, while the New Forest Airfields tell the story of wartime aviation history. It's proper countryside - ponies wander freely, and you'll often find yourself stuck behind a herd crossing the road.

Getting here is straightforward enough. The A35 runs right through town, connecting it to Bournemouth in the east and the M27 motorway system. Christchurch station sits on the line between London Waterloo and Weymouth, though services can be a bit patchy at weekends.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into town for provisions or a proper meal, but far enough out to enjoy the forest walks and coastal paths without the summer crowds. The harbour's just a short drive away when you fancy fish and chips by the water.