Dolly's Firs

Walk into Dolly's Firs and you're immediately swallowed by proper old Hampshire woodland. The canopy's dense enough that even on bright days it feels like dusk in there, which sounds gloomy but is actually rather lovely. Ancient trees tower overhead, and the forest floor is thick with moss and leaf litter - the whole place smells green and damp in the best possible way.

It's a straightforward woodland walk with decent trails threading through. Nothing dramatic happens - no dramatic viewpoints or sudden clearings, just honest trees and birdsong. That's rather the point, really. History buffs might note it's old growth forest, the kind you don't see much of anymore, but mainly you're here to breathe deep and let your head clear.

The walk suits families with walkers aged eight or so upwards, though younger kids can manage short sections if you're prepared for a slow pace. Allow two hours for a proper wander, though you can dip in and out for half an hour if you're short on time. There's no facilities that I'm aware of, so bring water and pack a snack if you're staying longer.

Its location near Petersfield makes it convenient if you're based at Woodlands Camping or Hampshire Hills. Either works as a decent stop between longer outings - it won't be the highlight of your holiday, but it's the sort of place that keeps you sane on a busy week. On quieter mornings you might have the whole forest to yourself, which is worth timing for.