Great Sheardley Wood

The forest sits just outside Waterlooville, a proper walk through mature woodland that feels properly removed from the suburbs despite how close you actually are. Ancient oak and beech dominate the canopy, with enough undergrowth to make you feel like you've actually gone somewhere rather than just wandered round a local park.

What you're doing here is walking. That's it, really. Bring a dog and it's brilliant - they can run about in relative safety on the woodland floor. Families with younger kids might find an hour enough before the novelty of "more trees" wears thin, though there's something about proper woodland that keeps children occupied longer than you'd expect. The light filtering through in late afternoon is genuinely lovely.

Historically minded visitors will appreciate that you're walking through land that's been forested for centuries - this isn't a replanted commercial plantation but actual Hampshire woodland. No facilities that I'm aware of, so bring water and sensible shoes because the ground can be boggy after rain.

If you're staying at Cedar Valley or Beechen Glamping nearby, this is exactly the sort of place that makes a holiday in Hampshire work. It's not dramatic or Instagram-worthy, but it does what a forest should - gives you space and quiet. Worth combining with a proper woodland walk elsewhere in the area rather than treating it as a destination in itself, but as part of a park-based break it's proper value.