Marlow

Tom Kerridge's two-Michelin-starred The Hand & Flowers puts this Thames-side market town firmly on the foodie map, but there's far more to Marlow than celebrity chef dining. The high street feels properly lived-in rather than touristy - independent shops sit alongside familiar chains, and the Saturday market brings real energy to the Georgian streets.

Walking along the Thames Path here is a treat. The suspension bridge, completed in 1832, frames views beautifully whether you're heading towards Bisham or downstream to Cookham. Rowers from the local club glide past regularly - this stretch of river sees serious training year-round.

The Chiltern Hills rise dramatically just north of town, offering excellent walking through ancient beechwoods like Munces Wood and Shillingridge Wood. It's a proper contrast to the riverside setting - within twenty minutes you're among dense woodland paths that feel miles from anywhere. The terrain gets quite steep in places, particularly around Holme Wood.

For something completely different, West Wycombe's famous Hellfire Caves make for an atmospheric day trip. These man-made chalk tunnels, carved out in the 1750s, have a genuinely eerie feel - definitely not for the claustrophobic. West Wycombe House nearby is worth the visit too, though opening times are limited.

Marlow sits just off the M40, making it easily accessible from London in under an hour. Reading's the nearest major station if you're coming by train. Staying at one of the nearby parks like Hurley Riverside Park gives you the best of both worlds - peaceful countryside camping within striking distance of proper town amenities and that famous dining scene.