Stretching across Southampton and Bournemouth, the New Forest is
the perfect place to reconnect with nature. Book a room at The Pig, a home away from home in
Brockenhurst complete with its own orchard, smoke house and kitchen
garden. There is an emphasis here on farm-to-table food, and you
could easily while away your weekend wandering the grounds or
curled up by the fire with a book. However there’s so much more to
explore, with a national park full of dense forests, winding trails
and sand dunes right on your doorstep. For a well-earned meal
following your excursion, head to Bruno’s restaurant to enjoy the
best of local seafood. Before you call it a night, sample some of
the finest ale in the area at the cosy yet contemporary Huntsman of Brockenhurst
pub.

One of the most picturesque regions the English countryside has
to offer, the Cotswolds stretches across several counties –
including Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire – and guests can
experience golden-stone villages and converted pubs against a
backdrop of gently undulating hills. The arrival of Soho Farmhouse near Chipping Norton only cemented the
Cotswolds as the weekend getaway of choice among a creative urban
crowd. Book a room at The Wheatsheaf Inn and spend
days visiting Blenheim Palace, walking along the highland at
Crickley Hill or exploring the colourful market town of
Cirencester. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants
– head to The Wild Rabbit for local fare or The Kingham Plough, which is run by a former Fat Duck
chef. Pack your Hunter wellies and don’t be surprised if you bump
into a few well-known faces along the way.

Can’t choose between the countryside and the coast? Head to
Christchurch in Dorset for the best of both worlds. With brightly
coloured beach huts, beautiful castles and a bustling town full of
independent shops and cafés, this is the perfect place for a varied
weekend escape. Stroll down to the beach for sailing, windsurfing
and paddleboarding or wind your way along the coastal paths at
Highcliffe Beach, which is overlooked by a 19th-century castle and
has views of the neighbouring Isle of Wight. You can’t go wrong
with a stay at The King’s Arms, a Georgian
boutique hotel offering luxury in a beautiful country setting.
Carefully restored, the rooms are full of character and are
complemented by views over the town’s bowling green and restored
pavilion. Book a table at the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant
or wander down to The Jetty, an award-winning
restaurant that comes with a spacious alfresco terrace, ideal for
soaking up the sea views before you head back home.

If you want to get away from the capital but aren’t quite ready
to leave the city lights behind why not try Brighton, where
independent shops, restaurants and bars rival London for diversity
and come with a side of fresh sea air. Stay at The Artist Residence, a quirky
boutique hotel that reflects the town’s creative spirit and offers
a good starting point from which to explore. Following a quick
stop-off at the iconic pier, make your way to The Lanes, where you
can spend the morning ducking in and out of treasure-trove vintage
shops before stopping for a healthy vegetarian lunch at Food for
Friends. Depending on the season, hit the beach for a spot of
sunbathing or a bracing winter walk, then round off your seaside
experience with fish and chips from one of the many seafront
stalls. If you’re after something a little more refined then
Salt Room offers sea views and seasonal plates
– then take the opportunity to dance into the early hours at one of
Brighton’s popular nightlife hotspots.

Walking along the whole of the 100-mile South Downs Way from
Winchester to Eastbourne would be a week-long undertaking, but a
couple of days spent meandering through the national park makes for
a restorative weekend away. Set off on the striking Seven Sisters
path, ending up at Beachy Head, where you can drink in the dramatic
views of the sheer white cliffs. If you’re feeling energetic, then
an 11-mile trail from Alfriston takes you to the Roman town of
Eastbourne. There you can wander around the newly opened Towner
Gallery, which houses modern British art, and go for a traditional
cream tea at the regal Grand Hotel. For boutique
accommodation, we recommend Ravilious, where ten
individually decorated rooms fill a modified Victorian townhouse
full of original features only a five-minute walk from the beach.
Wine lovers should schedule a trip to Breaky Bottom, a family-run winery that
produces award-winning English sparkling wine.