Amery Wood

The woodland path at Amery Wood is dense and properly atmospheric - ancient oaks tower overhead, and the floor's thick with beech leaves even in summer. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which is saying something when you're only a few miles from Alton.

This isn't a manicured nature reserve with information boards at every turn. It's genuine Hampshire woodland, the kind locals walk their dogs through without making a fuss. The main appeal is the quiet itself - a chance to wander among old growth for an hour or so without encountering crowds. There are decent paths threading through, though they're not always obvious, so it's worth having a rough map or being prepared to backtrack.

Bring proper footwear. The ground gets boggy in winter and muddy after rain, which makes it far less appealing than in autumn when the leaf cover is at its best. Spring's decent too, with bluebells scattered through parts of the wood.

Families with young children might find it a bit thin on attractions - there's no playground, no visitor centre, no café. But if you've got kids who like exploring and splashing in streams, they'll get on fine for an hour. Walkers and anyone after a proper woodland breath of air will rate it highly.

If you're staying at Wigwam Holidays nearby, this is an easy detour before or after your holiday. Don't expect drama - just old trees, quiet, and that particular smell of damp Hampshire woodland that never quite leaves your coat.