Boscombe Chine Gardens

The chine itself is the real draw here - a wooded ravine that cuts down to the beach near Christchurch, lined with rhododendrons and coastal flora that actually thrives in this microclimate. It's a proper walk rather than a casual stroll, with steep banks and uneven ground underfoot, which keeps it quiet compared to the seafront promenade just beyond.

Walkers will love it. The descent takes you through different woodland zones, and the views open up suddenly when you reach the shore - that moment when you realise how sheltered the ravine actually is. It's free to access, which is always a bonus, and you can time it right to catch the tide and walk along the beach itself. Give yourself an hour minimum, longer if you're the type to stop and photograph ferns.

Families with energetic kids will find it entertaining enough, though the uneven terrain means you'll need capable legs. Toddlers in buggies won't manage it. Best visited outside school holidays when the crowds thin out - you won't see many people once you're down in the trees.

It pairs well with a park holiday at Meadowbank Holidays, just 2.6 miles away, as part of a loose Christchurch exploration. The walk isn't strenuous enough to exhaust you before a full day, but it's substantial enough to justify the drive. Not a destination on its own, but a solid addition to a coastal break.