Whitefield Moor

Open heathland and boggy ground - that's what you get at Whitefield Moor, a proper slice of the New Forest without the crowds. It's the kind of place you wander into because you're camping nearby, not because you've marked it on a map months in advance. The moor spreads across rough terrain with patches of heather, gorse, and silver birch, and depending on the season you might spot a few insects and the odd grazing pony wandering through. Nothing flashy, but honestly it's the appeal.

Walkers will find it worthwhile. The ground is boggy in places - wellies are sensible - and there's no formal path network, so you're picking your own way across. It takes about an hour to get a proper feel for the place if you're not pushing hard. Families with younger children might find it a bit dull after twenty minutes unless they're the type to get excited about finding tadpoles or chasing dragonflies. Bird watchers and naturalists will have a proper look around though.

It's free access and sits just outside Brockenhurst, making it a decent add-on when you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Black Knowl, Long Meadow, or Setthorns are all within walking distance. The real draw is that you're in the New Forest proper without paying park fees, though the National Park itself is only 2.5 miles away if you want more structured facilities and better-maintained paths. Go early in the day to catch the light across the heath.