New Milton

Victorian railway ambitions turned this sleepy market town into a proper settlement, though New Milton still feels refreshingly unhurried compared to its brasher seaside neighbours. The town centre keeps things low-key - you won't find chain stores dominating here, just honest local shops and the occasional surprise like Art Galleries Direct tucked between traditional businesses.

Motorcycle enthusiasts make pilgrimages to the Sammy Miller Motorcycle Museum, where vintage British bikes gleam under spotlights. It's a cracking collection that puts New Milton firmly on the map for petrolheads. Beyond the museum, life moves at walking pace around Ballard Lake, a lovely nature reserve where herons fish and dog walkers chat.

The New Forest presses right up against the town's edges. Ballard Water Meadow offers proper countryside walks without needing to venture far from the high street. This is commuter belt Hampshire at its most relaxed - close enough to Southampton and Bournemouth for day trips, yet surrounded by ancient woodland and heathland.

New Milton station puts London just over an hour away, making this an unexpectedly handy base. The town sits between the forest proper and the coast - you can be walking forest ponies' territory or building sandcastles within minutes of leaving your holiday park. Several excellent sites dot the surrounding area, from traditional camping at Setthorns to more luxurious stays at the various Hoburne parks nearby.