Lyndhurst

Ancient oaks stretch their gnarled branches over gravel tracks where ponies graze freely, their tails swishing at summer flies. This is the unofficial capital of the New Forest, a proper Hampshire market town that's been the administrative heart of this unique landscape for centuries. High Street buzzes with walkers restocking before heading out to explore the surrounding heathland, while tea rooms do a roaring trade in cream teas.

Beyond the town centre, the forest opens up into a world of commons and woodland that feels utterly timeless. Whitmoor Hill and Boltons Bench offer cracking views across the canopy, while the network of gravel roads leads to quieter spots like Matley Bog Inclosure and King's Hat Inclosure. The old railway line at Beaulieu Road Station still sees trains rumble through, though most visitors arrive by car from Southampton, just 20 minutes down the M27.

Staying at one of the nearby forest campsites - Hollands Wood, Roundhill, or Setthorns among them - puts you right in the thick of it. Wake to the sound of birdsong and ponies munching grass just outside your tent. The beauty of camping here is the freedom it gives you to explore different corners of the forest each day, whether that's wandering through Longmead Row or taking the more challenging walk up to The Ridge. From your base, you're never more than a short drive from the coast at Lymington or the grand estates around Beaulieu.