Sutton Wood

Sutton Wood is a proper woodland walk just outside Alresford, the kind of place that rewards you with shade and quiet when you need it most. It's a mixed forest - oak, beech, and conifers - with trails that wind through fairly gently, so you're not battling steep climbs or negotiating tree roots every five steps. The floor is soft underfoot, and in autumn the leaf cover is thick enough that you feel properly away from things, even though you're barely on the edge of town.

Walkers will get the most from this. Families with young kids might find it a touch dull after forty minutes or so - there's no obvious focal point, no waterfall or viewpoint to aim for, just the woods themselves. If you're after a bracing two-hour ramble or want somewhere to clear your head between attractions, it's spot on. The openness varies; some sections feel enclosed by tree canopy, others open up a bit.

There's no obvious charge for access, and you can knock out a decent walk in an hour to ninety minutes depending on which route you take. Spring and summer are best if you're visiting with children, as the undergrowth can get boggy after heavy rain. Given how close it is to Hampshire Hills Caravan Park - just half a mile away - it's an easy add-on to a park-based holiday, perfect for stretching your legs before breakfast or after tea. Worth the detour if you're camping locally and want something low-key and free.