Shalden Recreation Ground

The main draw at Shalden is the woodland walk - proper pleasant if you're based in Alton and fancy an hour's leg-stretch without driving anywhere. You get a gentle circuit through beech and oak, with a small pond that's decent for spotting dragonflies in summer. The paths are well-maintained and mostly flat, though they can get boggy after rain, so decent boots matter.

It's more of a quiet local spot than a destination in itself. Families with young kids will find enough to keep them occupied for 45 minutes - there's a small car park, and the trails are easy enough for wobbly walkers. Dog owners obviously love it. Birdwatchers might pick up a few sightings depending on the season, though don't expect anything dramatic.

Free to visit, and you can rock up whenever you like. Early morning is the sweet spot if you want to avoid the school-run crowds. The whole thing feels like a proper community space rather than some polished visitor attraction, which is rather the point.

If you're staying at Wigwam Holidays just down the road, it's an easy add-on to your day - combines well with a walk into Alton town centre or a visit to one of the larger green spaces nearby. Worth 45 minutes of your time, not worth planning a trip around.