Deershot Copse

The woodland here feels properly old - ancient beech and oak that's been standing for centuries, their trunks thick enough that three of you holding hands wouldn't wrap around them. Deershot Copse is the sort of place you stumble into rather than make a pilgrimage to, especially if you're based at one of the nearby parks like Woodlands Camping or Hampshire Hills just down the road in Alresford.

It's a straightforward woodland walk, nothing dramatic. The forest floor is dense with leaf litter, the canopy keeps things cool even on warm days, and there's enough space to let kids run ahead without losing sight of them. You'll see why the name stuck - deer do come through here, though you're more likely to spot their tracks than the animals themselves. In autumn the colour is genuinely worth the detour; in winter it's a bit sparse but peaceful.

Allow a couple of hours if you're in no rush, maybe an hour if you just want some breathing room between caravan park breakfast and lunch. There's no cafe at the copse itself, so bring water. The nearest facilities are back in Alresford, which sits right there practically on your doorstep.

It won't revolutionise your holiday. It's not a destination in itself. But if you're staying locally and fancy a proper walk without the National Trust queues, this delivers. Families with young walkers will do well here - the paths are manageable and there's enough visual interest to keep them engaged. History buffs and casual strollers alike will find something worthwhile in the quiet.