Broadlands Lake Campsite

Planning a kid-friendly itinerary is particularly easy in this part of the world – rural-themed outings to Longdown Activity Farm (10 minutes' drive) and the rides at Paultons Park (10 minutes) should keep younger members of your brood happy, while more adventurous teens may prefer a trip to Calshot Activity Centre (25 minutes) for climbing, kayaking and windsurfing. Cycling types, meanwhile, could head either to Calshot's indoor velodrome or journey out to the New Forest's extensive network of bike paths (from 15 minutes' drive). New arrivals would do well to start off in Lyndhurst (20 minutes), where you can hire a range of two-wheelers and get to grips with the lay of the land at The New Forest Heritage Centre. If you're drawn instead to the quiet, grassy landscapes of the Test Valley, head to National Trust-run Mottisfont (20 minutes), which has a microcosm of the local area – a walled garden, gorgeous farmland, chalk-based rivers and a historic priory. For more green lawns and brilliant blooms, make the trip to privately owned Houghton Lodge Gardens (30 minutes).