Purley Cross Guest House

The morning light filters softly through the trees around Purley Cross, and you wake to birdsong rather than traffic — despite being just beyond Reading's orbit, this feels like proper countryside.

This is one for those who want a camping experience without quite sleeping on the ground: the camping pods offer a snug middle way between tent and room, while the guest house itself suits anyone after a proper bed and a cooked breakfast. It works well for couples testing the waters of outdoor stays, families wanting a backup plan if the weather turns, or walkers exploring the Thames Path and the woods around Sulham and Tidmarsh. Dogs might be welcome — worth asking when you book — and the Berkshire Downs aren't far if you fancy bigger hills.

Facilities aren't spelled out in detail, so it's wise to check what's provided before you arrive. Campfires are a maybe — ask on the day. Open all year, which makes it a decent winter bolt-hole when most campsites have shuttered up.