Poole

The twin harbours give this ancient port its unmistakable character. Poole's working quay still sees fishing boats unload their catch while pleasure craft bob alongside, creating that proper seaside atmosphere without the candy floss tackiness of bigger resorts. The Old Town's narrow streets wind up from the waterfront, lined with Georgian merchants' houses that speak of serious maritime wealth.

Wareham sits just inland, close enough for a proper explore. The town's Saxon walls still encircle much of the centre, and Wareham Town Museum does a cracking job telling the story of this thousand-year-old settlement. It's a lovely spot for an afternoon wander, especially when the crowds have thinned.

The surrounding Purbeck countryside offers some brilliant walking. Great Ovens Hill and West Wood provide decent vantage points across the heath, while Bulbury Woods Golf Club attracts those seeking a round with views. Families rate the area around Farmer Palmer's highly - the tractor rides and deer feeding keep little ones entertained for hours.

Getting here couldn't be simpler. The A35 runs straight through from Bournemouth, while Holton Heath station connects you to London Waterloo in under two hours. Poole itself has excellent transport links, making day trips to Bournemouth or the Isle of Purbeck straightforward.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks makes perfect sense. You're close enough to nip into Poole for dinner or shopping, yet far enough out to enjoy proper Dorset countryside. The heathland around places like Wareham Forest Tourist Park feels worlds away from urban life, even though you're barely ten minutes from the harbour.