National Trust - Selborne Common

The common sprawls across 400 acres of chalk grassland and beech hangers just outside Alton, and it's the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. Walking here feels proper timeless - the steep paths cut through ancient woodland, opening suddenly onto open downland with views that stretch for miles. Gilbert White, the 18th-century naturalist, spent half his life studying this exact patch of ground, and you understand why the moment you arrive.

It's not a manicured attraction. There are no visitor centres or cafes, just good paths, scrub, and the genuine article of Hampshire countryside. Families with decent walkers will get hours out of it - the terrain varies enough to keep things interesting, and kids seem to enjoy the scramble up the hangers. Serious walkers will appreciate the longer loops that connect through to neighbouring woodland. Bring a bird book if you're that way inclined; this place is still genuinely wild.

The nearest proper base is Alton itself, but you're far better served by the holiday parks within spitting distance. Feather Down Manor Farm sits just 2.4 miles away and hits the rural sweet spot without the crowds. Wigwam Holidays is a touch further at 3.7 miles but offers proper glamping if you want the nature experience with actual comfort. Adhurst Yurts, five miles out, gives you something between the two - yurts with real character, plus they run skills courses if you fancy learning something while you're out here.

Allow two to three hours for a decent walk. Spring's the best time - wildflowers everywhere and the woodland floor comes alive. Autumn works too, though the mud can be shocking. Free to roam, naturally, being National Trust land.