Hampshire & IOW

From quaint coastal towns to breathtaking New Forest scenery, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are a no-brainer for city dwellers looking for a rural escape. It's not all chocolate-box villages and Victorian holiday homes, though; the area is full of smart eateries, chic indie boutiques and family-friendly attractions, with cities like Winchester being prime commuter territory. Part of our Top 260 Best Places to Live series.