Henley-on-Thames

The regatta might grab the headlines each July, but there's much more to this Thames-side town than rowing blazers and champagne. Henley-on-Thames sits prettily where the river bends through the Chiltern Hills, its Georgian streets rising gently from the famous stretch of water that hosts the world's most prestigious rowing event.

Wander beyond the regatta course and you'll find a proper market town that doesn't rest on its sporting laurels. The high street runs with independent shops and decent pubs - though it does get a bit sleepy midweek. Hart Street and Bell Street offer the best browsing, while Fillingdon Fine Art showcases work that's well above your average provincial gallery standard.

What really sets Henley apart is its position in the Chilterns. Step away from the river and you're into serious walking country within minutes. Mousells Wood and Hatchet Wood provide cracking routes through beech hangers, while Bagmoor Shaw offers quieter paths for those wanting to escape the weekend crowds. The hills here roll properly - none of your gentle southern slopes.

Getting here couldn't be easier from London. The train from Paddington takes just over an hour, or it's a straightforward drive up the M4 and A4130. Reading sits 10 miles southeast if you need a bigger town for supplies or transport links.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense for exploring both the town and the wider Chilterns. You're close enough to nip into Henley for dinner or a river walk, yet positioned perfectly for tackling the woodland trails that make this corner of Buckinghamshire such a treat for anyone wanting proper countryside within striking distance of the capital.