Sit and Rest

The name tells you everything - this is a proper stopping point rather than a destination that demands hours of your time. Sit and Rest sits near Upwey in Dorset and works best as a breather during a walk rather than a standalone outing. The reserve itself is modest woodland and open ground where you can actually catch your breath, which sounds daft until you've been trudging around South West England in summer heat.

What you get is peace and quiet, mainly. Trees, birdsong, the occasional flash of movement that might be a deer if you're lucky. It's the sort of place where a ten-minute sit does more for you than another exhausting visitor attraction. Families with young kids will find it fine for a quick stretch - let them run about a bit - but don't expect play equipment or marked trails that'll keep them entertained for long.

The real value? It slots in perfectly if you're staying at Green Valley Yurts and Cabin nearby (under four miles away) and want to break up a day of exploring. You're close enough to Upwey that you can combine it with something else - a proper walk, a visit to a larger park, a pub lunch. On its own, thirty minutes is plenty. Go when the weather's decent; a grey, drizzly afternoon would feel pointless.

Free, as far as I can tell, and unstaffed. No facilities mentioned, so bring water.