Shortheath Pond

This shallow pond sits just outside Alton and does exactly what it says on the tin - it's a spot for a quiet walk rather than a day-long adventure. The water's ringed by trees and reeds, which means decent birdwatching if you're into that sort of thing. Herons, mallards, the usual cast of characters. The paths are straightforward, nothing demanding, so it works well for families with younger kids or anyone after a gentle circuit without scrambling over hills.

You can walk it in under an hour, which makes it ideal as a top-up activity if you're based at Wigwam Holidays nearby and fancy breaking up a rainy afternoon. The pond itself isn't dramatic - don't expect Windermere - but there's something restorative about the quiet of it, especially on a weekday when you've got the place more or less to yourself. Winter's actually rather good here when the light's low and soft.

It's free to access and open year-round. Parking can be a bit tight at the main entrance, so go early or mid-week if possible. There are benches if you want to sit and just watch, though the Hampshire weather won't always cooperate. It's the sort of place that serves a purpose - a morning's walk if you're staying locally - rather than a destination in itself. Pair it with a visit to Alton's town centre and you've got a proper little half-day sorted.