Loscombe Wood

The woodland around Loscombe, just inland from Weymouth, is proper walk territory. You're looking at a mixed forest with enough paths to keep you occupied for a couple of hours, though it won't blow your mind if you're expecting something dramatic. The trees are dense enough to feel like you've genuinely escaped the holiday park crowd, and there's a decent network of trails threading through - some boggy in winter, some perfectly dry on the higher bits.

It's best for people who actually enjoy walking rather than those looking for a destination with a view or a cafe at the end. Families with older kids will get more from it than toddlers. The bonus is that it's close enough to the Weymouth coast that you could combine it with beach time, and with options like Litton Lakes and Higher Moor Farm Campsite within striking distance, it works as a morning or afternoon outing from your base.

Go early if you can - the forest feels properly peaceful before mid-morning. There's no charge that we're aware of, and it's the sort of place you find your own way round rather than following a marked trail, which some people love and others find a bit frustrating. Bring decent boots if you've had rain. It's not revolutionary, but if you're camping locally and want a solid woodland walk without driving halfway across Dorset, this does the job.