Beachern Wood

Walk into Beachern Wood and you're immediately under a dense canopy of beech and oak - the kind of forest that feels properly old, even if you can't quite pin down why. It's near Brockenhurst, right in the heart of the New Forest, and it delivers exactly what you'd hope for: woodland paths that meander without being tedious, enough shade to make a summer visit tolerable, and the occasional clearing where light floods through.

This is prime territory for walkers and families who want to stretch their legs without committing to a full moorland trek. The paths are manageable for most ages, though it's not a pushchair-friendly route - uneven ground and exposed roots see to that. Allow an hour to ninety minutes depending on how many times the kids want to stop and examine things. The wood itself is free to roam, which is refreshing given how commercialised some forest spots have become.

Timing-wise, spring and autumn are your best bets. Summer can feel claustrophobic when the canopy's in full leaf, and winter's muddy unless you're properly booted up. Early morning visits mean fewer people and better chances of spotting deer.

If you're staying at Lytton Lawn or Shorefield Country Park - both excellent bases - Beachern Wood slots in nicely as a morning outing before heading elsewhere. It's not spectacular enough to be your sole reason for visiting the New Forest, but it's the kind of place that reminds you why you came in the first place.