Shell's Copse

A proper woodland walk through beech and oak rather than some manicured nature reserve - Shell's Copse rewards you with genuine forest atmosphere without the crowds you'd hit at better-known spots in Hampshire. The canopy's thick enough that even in summer the ground stays damp and cool, and you'll find the usual woodland creatures if you're quiet about it: deer bolting through the trees, woodpeckers, the occasional badger sett.

It's ideal if you're base-camping at either Hollington Park Glamping or Bishops Green Farm Campsite and need a proper leg-stretch rather than a tourist tick-box. Budget a solid hour to two hours depending on the route you take - there's enough here to justify getting properly lost for a bit, though nothing so complicated you'll actually worry about it. The walk's moderate, mostly level, so families with kids aged seven and up will manage fine. Younger ones might struggle with the uneven ground and lack of facilities.

Newbury's only a few miles away if you need supplies or want to make an evening of it elsewhere. Winter's actually the best time - you can see further through the trees and there's less boggy mess. Spring's decent too when the bluebells come through, though by late summer the paths get a bit tight and overgrown. There's no admission fee or visitor centre faffing about, just a wood where you can walk. That's the appeal, really. Not everything needs a car park and a gift shop.