Get ready for a change of pace in the New Forest, where horses and all manner of other woodland wildlife rule, but if you're very good, they might just agree to put you up for a few nights. Why not practice living harmoniously alongside these creatures at Roundhill, one of Forest Holidays' most outstanding campsites? Once an airfield, this expanse of heathland is at the forest's centre, and the sheltered pockets of land created by its numerous trees and shrubs provide the perfect pitching space.

The rules are simple - find yourself a spot six metres from your nearest neighbours and it's yours. The lakeside area near reception and the adjacent pine woods are popular with regulars. Animals have grazing rights here, so expect to see horses, donkeys, cows, and even pigs wandering freely around the campsite. For the most part, they keep their distance, but keep your food locked away. The donkeys are highly skilled at unzipping tents, and rumour has it they can even open ring-pulls on cans. So, make like a woodland elf in this heathered heaven and be at one with the free-roaming animals... Wait, has that donkey got one of your beers?




COOL FACTOR Forest camping with added animal antics.

WHO'S IN? Tents, campervans, caravans, groups, dogs (maximum of 3 per pitch) - yes.

ON SITE Total of 550 pitches; 3 facilities blocks with hot showers (4W, 4M), 11 basins, 14 toilets, and hairdryers (20p). Disabled, baby-changing, and dog-washing facilities. Reception sells batteries, tent pegs, maps, bread, and milk. Charcoal BBQs only, off the ground. No campfires.

OFF SITE The National Motor Museum (01590 614650; www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk) at Beaulieu is open every day. Home to the record-breaking Bluebird and Golden Arrow, or try the James Bond Experience.

FOOD AND DRINK Checkout Simply Poussin (01590 623063; www.simplypoussin.com) brasserie in Brockenhurst. The old-style Filly Inn (01590 623449; www.fillyinn.co.uk) at Setley is a 10-minute drive. Beaulieu hosts a farmers' market full of local produce on the middle Sunday of each month.

GETTING THERE From the B3055 at Brockenhurst, turn on to Beaulieu Road and head east for 2 miles.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT Brockenhurst station is just over 1½ miles from the site.

OPEN March-October.

THE DAMAGE Standard pitch plus 2 adults £9.5O-£18.50.