Down Plantation

Down Plantation is a proper woodland walk just outside Alresford, the sort of place you stumble upon when you're exploring Hampshire's quieter corners. It's not flashy - there are no visitor centres or gift shops - just acres of mixed forest with decent footpaths threading through beech and oak. Bring the family for an hour or two and you'll find it peaceful enough, though the paths can get muddy after rain.

This works best if you're already staying in the area - say, at Hampshire Hills three miles away - and fancy stretching your legs without driving somewhere famous. Kids will manage it fine, though it's not the sort of place that'll hold their attention for a full afternoon unless they're the sort who like climbing fallen logs and spotting wildlife. Walkers will appreciate the canopy cover on hot days and the straightforward routes.

Go on a weekday morning if you want it to yourself. Summer's busy but keeps it dry underfoot; autumn's lovely if you don't mind the leaf litter. There's no admission charge - it's just a wood you walk around - and you can easily fit it into a broader day exploring Alresford itself, which has its own charm with proper independent shops and a decent high street.

Honestly? It's the sort of place that's worth half an hour while you're passing through, not worth planning a trip around. But if you're based at Hampshire Hills and the weather's decent, it beats sitting in a holiday park.