If this has already been asked before please post the link and sorry for being a nusance.

Ive been frantically reading these forums and am now considering a different bike (only considering, mind) I fancy a traditional commuter but want one thats good all round, as I do a little off roading, nothing major but a few cycle paths and a little woodland. But since I will also use it for road commuting I want to know what my options would be.
I potentially have £350 to £500 thats roughly max $700 (I'm in the UK)

Since I'm a n00b please don't be offended by my complete lack of knowledge, but since I was a kid I've always fancied a drop handlebar road bike, my parents never got me one and I still fancy one, however I need something that will allow for the off road side of things. Any ideas ?

Thanks everyone...