Durden Copse

Walk into Durden Copse and you're instantly swallowed by proper woodland - the kind with a thick canopy that dims the light even on bright days. It's a modest forest near Alresford in Hampshire, the sort of place locals know well but visitors often miss entirely. There are decent walking trails threading through the trees, nothing too demanding, and the ground cover changes with the seasons - bluebells in spring make it worth timing your visit around April or May.

This is really walker territory. You won't find facilities or marked viewpoints, just forest paths and peace. Bring proper footwear; it gets muddy. Families with young kids might manage an hour here, but there's no playground or attractions to keep them entertained beyond the trees themselves. History buffs won't find much - it's straightforward woodland rather than a heritage site.

It works well as a walk break if you're staying at one of the local caravan parks - The Spinney is closest at 3.5 miles, or Woodlands Camping at 4.1 miles. You're genuinely free to explore at your own pace, no entrance fees or opening hours to worry about. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for a decent walk. The real appeal is simplicity: ancient trees, birdsong, and space to breathe. It's not dramatic, but it's exactly what you need if you want to escape the usual tourist circuit.