New Coppice

The woodland at New Coppice sits just outside Dorchester, offering a proper escape into mixed broadleaf forest without the crowds you'd find at more famous spots. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think - no theme park queues, no visitor centre gift shop. The trees are dense enough to keep things cool even on warm days, and the walking is straightforward enough for families with younger kids, though the terrain can get muddy after rain.

You're looking at anywhere from an hour to a full afternoon depending on how far you fancy wandering. There's no charge to get in, which is refreshing. Birdwatchers will find it worthwhile - the canopy attracts all sorts - and it's decent for anyone after a bit of woodland solitude rather than a structured experience.

If you're camping at one of the nearby parks like Hidden Valley or Walnut Farm Glamping, this works nicely as a morning walk before heading into Dorchester itself for lunch. The coppice isn't dramatic or Instagram-worthy, but that's rather the point. It's honest woodland - no pretence, no fuss. Worth the detour if you're already in the area and want to stretch your legs properly, but don't expect anything beyond trees and peace.