New Milton

Most market towns feel a bit removed from proper countryside. Not New Milton. This Hampshire town sits right on the doorstep of the New Forest, making it one of those rare places where you can grab your morning coffee from the high street then be watching ponies graze at Redrise Shade within twenty minutes.

The town itself is fairly modern - rebuilt after heavy bombing in World War Two. But what it lacks in ancient charm it makes up for in location. You're perfectly placed here for exploring the forest's western reaches, where the crowds thin out considerably compared to Lyndhurst or Brockenhurst.

Red Hill and Blackhamsley Hill offer proper walks with rewarding views across the heathland. The forest feels wilder here too. Burley Old Inclosure has that ancient woodland feel, while the quirky Naked Man landmark (a bronze-age burial mound, despite the name) sits quietly among the heather. Deputy Surveyors Oak is another forest highlight - a massive old tree that's been standing sentinel for centuries.

Water features add variety to the landscape. Mirror Pond lives up to its name on still days, while Lounge Pond provides a peaceful spot for a picnic. The smaller woodlands like Ferny Knap and Hincheslea Wood are lovely for shorter rambles when you don't fancy a full day's hiking.

Getting here is straightforward - New Milton sits on the main railway line from London Waterloo, with Bournemouth just fifteen minutes down the track. The A35 runs right through town too. Staying at one of the nearby forest campsites like Holmsley or Setthorns puts you right in the thick of things, though Black Knowl offers a quieter alternative if you prefer your mornings without the sound of other campers.