Great Clump

Great Clump is a proper woodland walk just outside Winchester - the kind of place locals know about but visitors often miss. It's ancient forest, dense and quiet, with decent footpaths that meander through beech and oak. You'll find yourself surrounded by high canopy and the sort of peace you don't get anywhere near the city centre.

The walk takes about an hour if you're not dawdling, though you can make it longer by exploring the various spurs and trails that fork off from the main route. It works well for families with kids old enough to manage uneven ground - there are tree roots and the occasional muddy patch - but it's not a flat stroll. History buffs might be interested in the older woodland management patterns still visible in the tree spacing, though there's no signage to explain them.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's genuine countryside, not manicured, and the lack of crowds is refreshing. Bring decent boots, especially after rain. There's nowhere to buy refreshments nearby, so pack a flask.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - The Spinney is just over four miles away, or Beechen Glamping a bit further out - this makes an excellent half-day outing to break up a caravan holiday. It's free to access and works year-round, though spring and autumn are when the light filters through best. The forest gets claustrophobic on very wet days, so check the weather first.