Hungerford

Antique dealers line the high street like nowhere else in Berkshire. This former coaching town sits pretty on the River Kennet, drawing collectors and browsers from across southern England for its twice-weekly markets and year-round treasure hunting.

Walk down the main drag any Wednesday or Saturday and you'll understand why Hungerford calls itself the antiques capital of the region. Proper Victorian shop fronts house everything from Georgian furniture to vintage jewellery, though prices can be steep if you're not careful.

Beyond the browsing, this is proper countryside territory. The West Berkshire Golf Club offers decent greens with views across the Lambourn Downs, while walkers can lose themselves in Great Park Wood or the quieter paths through Lord's Wood & Alms Wood. These ancient woodlands feel worlds away from the M4, which thunders past just to the south.

History buffs should seek out Membury Airfield, a fascinating WWII site that tells the story of Allied operations during the war. Less well known but equally rewarding are the surrounding hills - Haycroft Hill and Gold Hill provide cracking views across the chalk downlands without the crowds you'd find at more famous spots.

Getting here is straightforward enough. Hungerford station sits on the London to Bristol line, making it a doddle from Paddington. By car, it's junction 14 off the M4, though the town centre can get choked with antique hunters at weekends.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense for exploring both the town and the wider Lambourn Valley. You're well placed for day trips to Marlborough or Newbury, but there's enough here to keep you busy for a long weekend of proper countryside exploring.