Burley Old Inclosure

Ancient woodland spreads across 1,500 acres here, where ponies still roam freely between towering beeches and centuries-old oaks. This isn't your manicured country park - Burley Old Inclosure feels properly wild, with winding paths that disappear into dense canopy and clearings that suddenly open to reveal grazing cattle.

Walkers and cyclists get the most from this place, though families with older children who don't mind a proper trek will love the adventure of it. The tracks can be muddy and uneven, so leave the pushchair behind. Photography enthusiasts should bring their cameras - the light filtering through the ancient trees creates some cracking shots, especially in autumn when the bracken turns golden.

Allow at least two hours for a decent walk, longer if you want to explore the full network of bridleways and footpaths. Free access year-round, though parking near New Milton can fill up on sunny weekends.

Being so close to Setthorns and Holmsley campsites makes this an easy addition to a New Forest holiday. It's less crowded than the main tourist spots around Lyndhurst, which means you'll often have whole sections of woodland to yourself. The nearby New Forest National Park offers plenty more walking, but this particular patch feels like stepping back in time.