Wash Pit

There's a small lake called Wash Pit just outside Ringwood, and it's the sort of place you'd miss entirely if someone didn't point it out. Water sits quietly surrounded by trees, nothing dramatic or showy about it - which is precisely why it works. The lake itself is modest, more of a serious pond really, but the walk around it through the woodland is what makes the trip worthwhile.

It's decent for a gentle afternoon wander, especially if you've got kids who need a break from the car. The paths are straightforward enough that you won't need hiking boots, though they can get a bit soft underfoot after rain. Most people spend 45 minutes to an hour here, maybe a bit longer if you're the type to sit and actually watch the water for a while.

Historically it's connected to the New Forest, which looms large in this part of Dorset, and there's a proper sense of being tucked away from the main tourist trail. It's free to visit, naturally, and there are no facilities to speak of - so sort yourself out in Ringwood first if you need a coffee.

If you're camping at Hill Cottage Farm in nearby Fordingbridge, it's worth tacking on to a morning routine. Not a destination in itself, but a solid supporting act. Works best in spring or autumn when the light filters through the trees nicely and you're not fighting the school holidays crowds.