A tiny town that is full of cosy pubs is sandwiched between two of the UK’s best-loved national parks.

Fordingbridge in Hampshire sits on the River Avon. Just two miles to its east is the beautiful New Forest, and just a few more miles to its north and west lies the Cranborne Chase National Landscape – the sixth-largest protected landscape in the UK.

Despite being home to just 6,000 people, this charming town is packed with places to stay, and can be an ideal base from which to explore two beautiful parts of England.

While the countryside around Fordingbridge is stunning, the town itself isn’t too shabby either. It’s home to an epic medieval bridge – seven graceful arches that span the river. First constructed in 1252, it is one of only two bridges in the UK with seven arches.

Given its ancient bridge, the fact the town has a long and rich history will come as no surprise. What is surprising – given its distance from the coast – is that centuries ago Fordingbridge reportedly was a hotbed of smuggling.

In the late 1700s, Captain Diamond – who was known as the ‘Smuggler King’ – spent much of his time in a local hostelry – The George. The pub reportedly became the scene of a bloody battle between a smuggling gang and customs men and soldiers.

Things are much more peaceful nowadays – and the George is one of Fordingbridge’s many pubs where you’ll find a warm welcome. It is set on the banks of the River Avon and has glorious views of the bridge.

You’ll certainly not be short of choice when it comes to finding a great spot for a relaxing pint in Fordingbridge. Other popular public houses in the town include The Fighting Cocks, the Ship Inn, the Rose & Thistle, The Churchill Arms and the Railway Hotel.

However, there is more to the town than pubs. For keen walkers, The Avon Valley Path is a must.

This long-distance walking route, from Salisbury to Christchurch, passes through Fordingbridge. It is a great way of exploring some of the countryside around the town.

Speaking of great countryside, visitors in the area should head to New Forest and the Cranborne Chase National Landscape. The former will need little introduction for many of us – it is one of the largest remaining tracts of unenclosed pasture land, heathland and forest in southern England.

It is home to the iconic New Forest ponies – and free-roaming donkeys, pigs and cattle. These are known as the ‘the architects of the Forest’ – because it is their grazing that creates the accessible landscape we all enjoy.

The Cranborne Chase National Landscape is perhaps less well-known, but it is every bit as beautiful. Overlapping the boundaries of Wiltshire, Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset, it is home to rare chalk grasslands – and scientifically important ancient woodlands.