Dills Copse

The woodland paths through Dills Copse are a proper escape from the bustle of Sandown, even though the town's only a few miles away. It's one of those forests that feels older than it probably is - the kind of place where the canopy gets thick enough that you can't quite tell what time of day it is anymore.

You'll find yourself walking under beech and oak, with the occasional clearing where light floods through and makes you remember why you came. The paths are manageable rather than challenging, which suits families who don't fancy a full-on hike but still want trees and quiet. Kids might get distracted by a stream if the water's up, or they might just want to collect sticks and call it a day - both outcomes work here.

There's no visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so bring what you need. The woodland works best on cooler days when you can actually walk without overheating, and early morning beats afternoon if you want the place to yourself. Allow a couple of hours to really lose yourself rather than rush through.

If you're staying at White Cliff Bay Glamping or Sandhills Holiday Park - both within easy reach - this is a genuinely worthwhile detour for a morning walk. It breaks up the beach routine without demanding much planning. Not spectacular, but solid woodland in a part of the Isle of Wight that doesn't get as much attention as Shanklin or Ventnor.