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.