Lingfield

Racing enthusiasts know Lingfield well - its all-weather track draws punters year-round, but there's more to this Surrey town than the horses. Positioned perfectly between the North Downs and the Kent border, it sits in proper countryside without feeling remote.

Lingfield's Victorian railway station connects it neatly to London, making it surprisingly accessible despite the rural setting. The town itself is compact and unpretentious, with a high street that serves locals rather than tourists. But venture out and the landscape opens up beautifully.

Furnace Wood and Mill Wood offer excellent walking through ancient woodland, while Furnace Pond provides a peaceful spot for an afternoon stroll. The area's industrial heritage peeks through - this was once serious iron-working country. For something different, the Boer War Horses memorial at nearby St Mary's Chapel tells a moving story of the conflict's forgotten casualties.

Outwood Common, just north, feels wonderfully wild and open. The restored Outwood Windmill dominates the horizon - one of the oldest working mills in the country and well worth the short drive. From Tilburstow Hill you get cracking views across the Surrey countryside towards Kent.

East Grinstead sits eight miles northeast and makes for a proper day out, particularly if you fancy a ride on the Bluebell Railway. The steam trains run through gorgeous countryside to Sheffield Park, though booking ahead is essential during peak season.

Staying at one of the local parks puts you within easy reach of Gatwick Airport - handy for early flights without the airport hotel prices. You're also perfectly placed for exploring both the Surrey Hills to the north and the beginnings of the Sussex Weald to the south. It's an area that rewards gentle exploration rather than frantic sightseeing.