Richard's Copse

A dense woodland walk just outside Petersfield that feels properly remote despite being minutes from town. Richard's Copse is the sort of place locals know but visitors miss, with towering beeches and established paths that wind through uninterrupted forest. The canopy closes in thick enough that even on bright days you're walking in dappled shadow.

It's best suited to walkers rather than families with small children - the paths aren't laid out with prams in mind, and there's not much to stop and gawk at if you're looking for bells and whistles. But if you want an hour's proper walk in decent woodland without the crowds of a country estate, this delivers. The forest floor is soft underfoot, and in autumn the leaf fall transforms it into something genuinely atmospheric.

No visitor facilities that I could find, so come equipped. It's free to access, though opening hours aren't formally published - treat it as daylight hours year-round. Allow 60 to 90 minutes depending on how far you venture.

If you're camping at Woodlands Camping or Hampshire Hills nearby, Richard's Copse works as a morning walk before heading elsewhere. It won't take your whole day, but it's worth the detour if you're based in the area. The woodland is at its best in spring when the bluebells come through, though frankly any season beats a rainy afternoon in the caravan.