Little Ashen Wood

Walk into Little Ashen Wood and you're immediately struck by how quiet it is - proper woodland, the kind where you can actually hear yourself think. It's a modest forest near Alresford in Hampshire, the sort of place locals know about but most visitors drive straight past. The paths wind through mature trees, dappled light filtering through in that way that makes even a grey day feel special. You'll find yourself on well-trodden tracks with the occasional bench if your legs need a rest.

This isn't a destination you plan your entire trip around, but it's absolutely worth a detour if you're staying at one of the nearby parks. Woodlands Camping is less than two miles away, making it ideal for a morning walk before breakfast or an evening stroll when the campsite's quietest. Hampshire Hills and Wigwam Holidays are slightly further out but still within reasonable distance for families wanting to stretch their legs without a major excursion.

Walkers will find it pleasant enough for an hour or so - nothing strenuous, just genuine woodland atmosphere. Children get bored after a bit unless they're the type who enjoy spotting birds or collecting sticks, but it breaks up a camping holiday nicely. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so come prepared. The real appeal is the simplicity of it - no crowds, no entrance fees, just trees and air and the gentle sound of the New Forest nearby. Go early on a weekend if you want it to yourself.