Moors Valley Country Park & Forest

The Moors Valley sprawls across 250 acres on Dorset's heathland, just outside Ringwood, and it's genuinely one of those places that rewards a proper explore rather than a quick half-hour visit. You get forest trails through Douglas fir and Scots pine, open moorland where the horizon seems to stretch forever, and a decent lake that actually gives you something to look at beyond the trees.

The walking is straightforward - nothing hair-raising, which makes it ideal for families or anyone not wanting to spend all day navigating slopes. There's a visitor centre at the entrance where you can grab a map, though the marked paths are clear enough. Allow two to three hours if you want to do a circular route without rushing. Bring kids and they'll likely enjoy scrambling through the woodland sections, though anyone after thrill rides will be disappointed.

It's free to access, which is brilliant, and you can turn up whenever suits you. Early morning is prettiest before the place fills up. The moorland flowers - gorse and heather - do their thing in late summer, which beats trudging through in January when it's just mud and grey skies.

If you're staying at Ashley Heath Caravan Park or Forest Edge just down the road, this is about as convenient as it gets. Combine it with a wander around Ringwood town itself or head towards the New Forest if you want the full Dorset experience. It's not dramatic or show-stopping, but it's proper outdoor time without pretence.