Horsham

Railway lines slice through rolling Surrey Hills countryside like arteries feeding this market town that refuses to play second fiddle to Brighton. Horsham sits pretty in West Sussex, where commuter trains from Christ's Hospital and Littlehaven stations whisk you to London in under an hour, yet the place maintains a proper country feel.

The town centre has that lived-in quality missing from sanitised new developments. Local galleries like Fluvius showcase regional artists, while the War Memorial anchors a network of streets that actually feel like they belong to residents rather than weekenders. It's not trying too hard to be anything other than what it is - a working town with decent shops and pubs that don't charge London prices.

Venture beyond the high street and you'll find remnants of medieval times. Moat and Graylands Moat hint at fortified past lives, while Owls Castle sits as another archaeological reminder that this area has seen proper history. The ruins of Shiremark Mill add to the sense that every field around here has stories to tell.

Countryside fans will love the network of ancient woodlands. Coachroad Clump, Lyons Clumps, and Wellingtonia Clump offer proper walks without the crowds you get closer to the capital. The Walled Garden and Grotto provide more formal green spaces when you fancy something less wild.

Staying at one of the nearby campsites makes perfect sense. Places like Sumners Ponds Fishery & Campsite or Henfold Lakes put you right in the countryside while keeping Horsham's amenities within easy reach. The train connections mean day trips to London or the south coast are dead simple, but you'll likely find enough around here to keep you busy for a fortnight.