Places

The New Forest was only designated a National Park in 2005, but the forest is far from new. As far back as 1079 William the Conqueror designated the area as a Royal Forest for private hunting, and at the time people were forced to leave their settlements. As well as taller trees, there are large areas of lowland habitats, including bogs and heath land which provide for a wealth of flora and fauna. Today ponies graze on wild heaths speckled with purple heather and wild deer flit beneath gnarled oak and beech trees. Streams flow to the wide expanse of the Solent where forest meets shining sea.

Salisbury is most famous for having one of Britain's great Cathedrals and indeed the tallest spire of any Cathedral in England. The medieval city of Salisbury set in typically English countryside has a range of architecture from timber framed Tudor buildings to Georgian and Victorian styles. All this history combined with a modern cafe culture make it a perfect destination to explore. The tourist office also offer a decent city tour. Apart from Salisbury's own attractions it is also a great base for exploring the many local delights such as Europe's most famous ancient site Stonehenge.

The Cotswolds are quintessentially English. Spanning an area of gentle hills lying between the enticing cities of Stratford-upon-Avon, Bath, and Oxford, the area has pretty villages of honey-coloured stone, manor houses, charming churches, dry-stone walls and country pubs in abundance. There is a variety of architecture from black and white medieval buildings in Chipping Campden, elegant regency houses in Cirencester to traditional antique shops in Stow-on-the-wold and crooked stone cottages in Broadway.

Torquay, often referred to as 'The English Riviera' and certainly has a continental feel about it, with a lively harbour, palm tree lined promenades, gardens and Italianate villas. It's also renowned for a great nightlife, offering many fine restaurants with great views out to sea, before you head to a theatre or club. Paignton is a town down the coast from Torquay and offers long sandy beaches and is little more family friendly than Torquay.