Mustercoombe Copse

The woodland floor at Mustercoombe Copse squelches underfoot most of the year - which tells you everything about why this patch of Hampshire forest matters. It's proper working woodland, the sort that locals actually use rather than somewhere that's been tarted up for tourism. You've got mixed deciduous trees, dense enough that the light filters through in streaks, and if you time it right in spring the bluebells will knock you sideways.

Walking is the only real option here, and that suits most people fine. There are no marked trails that I could find, so you're doing a bit of gentle exploring rather than following a prescribed route. Allow an hour to properly wander through without rushing. Families with young children might find it a touch dull after thirty minutes - there's no visitor centre, no play equipment, just trees and the occasional birdsong. Proper nature lovers and keen walkers will get far more from it.

Petertsfield sits just down the road, so it's convenient as a half-morning stop rather than a destination in itself. If you're staying at Cedar Valley or Woodlands Camping nearby, it's the sort of place to slip in between other activities. The lack of facilities means you need to be honest about whether you want a quiet woodland walk or something more structured. It works brilliantly as the former. Free to access, no timetables to worry about - just turn up when it suits you.