Downley Hanger.

Downley Hanger is a proper beech woodland that slopes down sharply towards Petersfield - the kind of forest where you can lose an hour just wandering between the trees without meaning to. The ground's soft with leaf litter even in summer, and the canopy's thick enough that you'll actually feel cooler on a hot day. It's free to access and there's parking nearby, which makes it a no-brainer addition to a walking holiday in the area.

Historically it's managed woodland, so you won't find the chaotic tangle you might expect - paths are reasonably clear, though they do get muddy after rain. Families with kids aged eight and up will find it genuinely engaging rather than tedious. Younger ones might struggle with the steep bits. Most people allow between 45 minutes and two hours depending on how far they want to venture in.

What makes it work is the quiet. This isn't a honeypot attraction, so you'll rarely find crowds. If you're staying at Bow Hill Farm or Cedar Valley - both solid caravan parks within five miles - it's an ideal walk to stretch your legs without needing a full day out. Combine it with exploring Petersfield's market town centre or the South Downs Way network nearby, and you've got a proper morning sorted. Winter's actually lovely here when the beech trees are bare - you get proper views you don't get in summer.