Avon Heath Country Park (South park)

The heath sprawls across 720 acres of open moorland, heather, and pine woodland - the kind of landscape that makes you feel properly far from civilisation even though Ringwood is just down the road. You're walking through gorse and bracken, spotting the occasional silver birch, with genuine quiet broken only by birds and the occasional jogger. Three main walking trails loop through the site, ranging from easy circular routes to longer treks that take you deep into the interior.

It's free to visit, which is the first good thing. The second is that it genuinely works as a break from the holiday park routine - you can do a quick 45-minute loop if the weather turns or tackle a proper two-hour walk without feeling rushed. Parents with younger children should stick to the shorter circuits near the car park; the longer trails can feel samey once the novelty of open heath wears off, and there's not much shelter if rain comes in.

Birders and keen photographers will find more to linger over than casual walkers. The site is important for heathland birds and reptiles, so bring binoculars if that's your thing. Summer visitors might catch adders basking, though they're harmless enough if you leave them alone.

Stay at Forest Edge or Oakdene - both within shouting distance - and you've got a proper dose of open country without needing to drive far. Go early morning for the best light and the fewest people. Late afternoon works too, when the sun starts lowering. Winter's actually rather lovely here when it's not waterlogged.