Hemel Hempstead

Shopping centres and roundabouts might not scream tourist magnet, but Hemel Hempstead has quietly grown into something worth stopping for. This Hertfordshire new town, built in the post-war boom, sits perfectly positioned for exploring the Chiltern Hills and M25 corridor.

Boxmoor Hall provides proper theatre entertainment, while the town's Roman heritage peeks through at the site of Gadebridge Park Roman Villa - remnants of a grand country estate that once sprawled across these valleys. The Halsey Field Local Wildlife Site offers green respite from all that concrete, though you'll need to venture further afield for proper countryside walks.

What really works here is the location. Twenty minutes to Watford, forty to central London by train, and the Chilterns start practically on your doorstep. Whipsnade Zoo sits just down the road - close enough that staying at nearby Merlin Farm Camping makes perfect sense for families tackling both the zoo and safari park.

The surrounding countryside delivers everything the town centre lacks in character. Rolling chalk downs stretch north and west, dotted with beech woods and ancient villages that feel worlds away from the industrial estates. Getting here couldn't be easier - the A41 cuts straight through, while Apsley station connects you to London Euston in under an hour.

Staying at one of the local touring parks or shepherd hut sites gives you that countryside feel while keeping urban conveniences close. Hill Farm Camping offers both traditional pitches and glamping options, perfect for exploring the Chilterns without sacrificing modern comforts. The town itself might not win beauty contests, but as a base for the Home Counties, it's surprisingly well-placed.