Ringwood

Ancient barrows dot the heathland around this New Forest market town, where Bronze Age settlers once thrived on the same sandy soils that make modern Ringwood such a gateway to Hampshire's wild heart. The town sits at a proper crossroads - close enough to Bournemouth for seaside day trips, yet surrounded by enough forest and heath to keep walkers busy for weeks.

Ringwood itself keeps things refreshingly low-key. No grand attractions or tourist tat here - just a working market town that happens to be brilliantly placed for exploring the wider area. The real draw lies beyond the high street, where ancient sites like the Bronze Age Bowl Barrow and Bronze Age Saucer Barrow remind you this landscape has been home to people for millennia.

Foxbury Hill offers cracking views across the forest canopy, while families often head to Matchams Karting for a bit of petrol-fueled fun. The surrounding countryside rolls away in all directions - heathland studded with gorse, woodland tracks perfect for cycling, and enough bridleways to keep horse riders happy.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. Ringwood sits on the A31, making it easily reachable from Southampton or Bournemouth in about half an hour. The train station closed decades ago, but regular buses connect with larger towns.

Staying at one of the holiday parks nearby makes perfect sense for exploring this corner of the New Forest. You're close enough to nip into town for supplies, yet wake up surrounded by forest. Places like Oakdene Forest Park and Forest Edge Holiday Park put you right in the thick of it - no need to drive miles to find a decent walking route or spot some of the famous New Forest ponies.