Park Wood

Ancient oak and beech trees tower overhead as you follow the winding paths through this Hampshire woodland near Emsworth. Park Wood feels properly wild - the kind of place where you might spot a red kite circling or hear the distinctive tap of a woodpecker echoing through the canopy.

Families with energetic kids will love the freedom to explore off the beaten track, though keep little ones close as some paths can be a bit unclear. Dog walkers get the run of the place too, with plenty of interesting scents to follow and fallen logs to clamber over.

The woodland changes character with the seasons - bluebells carpet the forest floor in spring, while autumn brings that satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot. It's free to wander (as far as I could tell), and you could easily spend a couple of hours here if you're not in a rush.

Being so close to Woodlands Camping and Hampshire Hills campsite, it makes for a lovely morning walk before the day gets too hot. The peace and quiet is a proper tonic after a night listening to fellow campers' midnight conversations through tent walls. Just don't expect facilities - bring water and maybe a small picnic if you're planning to make an afternoon of it.