Knighton West Wood

Dense woodland stretches across the southern edge of the Isle of Wight, offering proper respite from the crowds that flock to nearby Sandown's beaches. Knighton West Wood is the sort of place where you can lose yourself for a couple of hours, following winding paths through ancient oak and ash trees that have stood here far longer than the holiday parks dotted around the coastline.

Dog walkers make up most of the foot traffic, though families with older children who fancy a proper ramble will find plenty to explore. The woodland floor is thick with ferns and brambles - wear decent boots rather than flip-flops. It's free to wander, naturally, though parking can be a bit hit and miss depending on where you access it.

Expect to spend at least an hour here if you're doing it properly, though you could easily stretch it to half a day with a packed lunch. The canopy provides good shelter even on drizzly days, making it a solid backup plan when the weather turns.

Staying at Fairway Holiday Park or any of the other sites around Sandown puts you well within striking distance. It's the sort of place that works brilliantly as a morning expedition before heading to the beach, or an afternoon escape when the kids have had their fill of sand and ice cream.