Little Matt's Copse

A patch of woodland just outside Alton that doesn't announce itself loudly but rewards a quiet wander. Little Matt's Copse is modest - we're talking a few acres rather than a sprawling forest reserve - but it's proper peaceful and does the job well for families needing a break from the car or holiday park routine.

The walking is gentle, nothing demanding. You'll find yourself under mixed woodland, the sort of place where light filters through beech and oak in that way that makes you walk slower than you normally would. It's less about dramatic vistas and more about the simple pleasure of being among trees. Kids get something out of it too - there's enough space to let them potter about without worrying they'll vanish completely, and the woodland floor usually has sticks and interesting bits to hold their attention.

Free to access, though there's not much in the way of facilities, so come prepared. Twenty minutes or so if you're just having a casual stroll, longer if you're genuinely exploring. Spring is lovely when the woodland floor comes alive; autumn works well too. Winter can be muddy.

If you're based at Wigwam Holidays or Feather Down Manor Farm - both decent spots for a break near Alton - this is worth fitting in on a day when the weather's not dramatic. Not the kind of place you'll travel two hours to visit, but if you're already in the area, it's a proper way to spend an hour without overthinking it.