Pelhams Park

The path into Pelhams Park winds through dense woodland before opening onto heathland that stretches far longer than you'd expect from the map. It's a proper working nature reserve, not a manicured country estate, which means the plants and wildlife come first and the visitor facilities come second - if at all.

What you're looking at is lowland heath, the kind of habitat that's increasingly rare across southern England. The open stretches are threaded with birch and pine, and in summer the whole place turns purple with heather. Walkers absolutely get the best from it. The paths are straightforward enough, though muddy patches after rain can catch you out. Most people spend between one and two hours here, depending on how many times you stop to check the bird guides.

It's free to visit and there's no formal entry point - you simply find your way in from the surrounding lanes near Ringwood. Opening hours aren't enforced because it's a reserve, not a ticketed attraction. Go early morning if you want any chance of seeing the birds properly.

Families with younger children might find it underwhelming after the first twenty minutes unless they're proper nature spotters. But if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Meadowbank Holidays or Ashley Heath are both solid options - it's absolutely worth a morning walk. Pair it with a longer exploration of the New Forest edge, which sits just beyond. It's the sort of place that reveals itself slowly rather than hitting you with immediate drama.