Doiley Wood

The woods around Newbury don't get much fanfare, but Doiley Wood deserves a quiet afternoon. It's a proper forest walk rather than a manicured country estate - the kind of place where you'll actually see woodland doing what woodland does: fallen trees, wild undergrowth, birdsong that doesn't get drowned out by anything. The paths are workable without being tourist-trap flat, and there's real shade from the canopy, which matters on those sticky Hampshire days.

You'll get the most from this if you're after a proper walk without the crowds. It's not going to teach you much about the landscape - no interpretive boards or heritage plaques - but that's partly the appeal. Just trees, a bit of peace, and the chance to actually think. With kids, expect them to kick around for an hour or so before restlessness sets in; it's not a destination that'll keep a five-year-old occupied all afternoon.

Coupled with a stay at Hollington Park Glamping just four miles away, this makes a decent side venture from base camp. The woods are free to access, though you'll want decent footwear if there's been rain. Go early on weekdays if you can - weekend mornings bring the dog walkers out in force. Early autumn is lovely here; spring's muddy but manageable. Don't expect facilities or a car park with a café. This is proper woodland, not heritage centre dressing.