Hearne Copse

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured tourist spot, Hearne Copse sits just outside Godalming and delivers exactly what it promises - trees, quiet, and a genuine sense of being away from it all. The forest floor is thick with leaf litter, the canopy dense enough that even on a sunny day you get that lovely dappled light effect. You're looking at beech and oak mostly, with ferns unfurling in the damper patches. There's no visitor centre or café, which means no crowds either.

Walkers will find this worth the detour, particularly if you're after a loop that takes an hour or so without the effort of a major hill climb. Families with young kids might manage 30 minutes before the questions start, though if they're keen on spotting woodland creatures or building stick dens, they could easily stretch it. The paths are generally well-trodden but muddy after rain - proper boots essential.

It works brilliantly as a morning break if you're based at Little Cowdray Farm Glamping nearby. That site's excellent for families wanting something with a bit more comfort than a tent, so combining a glamping stay with woodland rambles makes solid sense. Time it for spring when the bluebells are out, or autumn when the light turns golden and the leaves crunch underfoot. Go early if you can - even weekends stay quiet here.