Anstey Park

The moment you step onto the woodland paths at Anstey Park, you're into proper Hampshire countryside - ancient trees, open glades, and the kind of quiet that makes you realise how little of it there is left. It's a nature reserve just outside Alton, so expect managed woodland rather than pristine wilderness, but that's actually what makes it work so well for families and casual walkers alike.

You can wander the trails for anything from 45 minutes to a couple of hours depending on how thoroughly you explore. The woodland is excellent for spotting birds and insects, particularly in spring and early summer when things properly come alive. It's the sort of place where kids won't get bored - there's always something rustling in the undergrowth or a new path to investigate. Fair warning: it can get muddy after rain, so proper boots are a good call.

Stay at Feather Down Manor Farm just 2.3 miles away and you've got a proper base for exploring the area. The park itself sits nicely within the wider Hampshire walking network, so you can combine it with other local trails without feeling like you're chasing the same route twice. Wigwam Holidays is another solid option nearby if you want something a bit different accommodation-wise.

Free to access, no faffing about with entrance fees. Go early on a weekday if you can - weekend mornings tend to fill up with the Alton crowd. It won't blow your mind, but it's exactly what it claims to be: a decent patch of woodland that's worth half a morning of your holiday.