Sounds like a plan is hatching Mark, as long as it involves a beer at some point in the proceedings 🙂
I think as you say the New Forest is an ideal place as got plenty of good roads to drive through there and also there aren't any roadworks which seem to currently be plaguing the BCP road network.
I am in Ringwood area so anywhere in the New Forest area is good for me.....anyone else have any preferences, good pubs, etc?