Woodside Plantation

The trees here run deep - proper old-growth woodland with the kind of quiet that makes you forget Salisbury's only a few miles away. Woodside Plantation is straightforward: a forest walk with decent paths winding through beech and oak, the sort of place where you notice birdsong again after a week of traffic noise.

It's ideal for anyone who wants a proper woodland experience without the crowds of the New Forest. Families with young children will manage fine on the main paths, though pushchairs might struggle if the ground's wet. For walkers, this is a gentle outing - you're looking at an hour or so if you're dawdling, less if you're on a mission. History types won't find much in the way of heritage signage, but the trees themselves are worth knowing: these are old plantations with character.

The real draw is the peace. You won't find a cafe or facilities - bring a flask if you want one. Admission appears to be free, which is refreshing. Go in autumn when the woodland floor turns copper, or early morning when the light cuts through the canopy properly.

It slots well into a park holiday around Salisbury. Green Hill Farm Holiday Village sits just 0.3 miles away, making this an easy stroll from your pitch. If you're based at Longbeech Campsite 3.2 miles out, it's a short drive plus walk. The woodland complements time spent at the open parks by offering something quieter - less picnic, more forest bathing.