Patrick's Copse

A proper woodland walk rather than a destination in itself, Patrick's Copse sits just outside Petersfield and offers a decent stretch through mixed deciduous forest. The paths are well-trodden, the canopy thick enough to feel properly removed from the town, and there's enough variation in the trees and terrain to keep it interesting for a couple of hours. Nothing spectacular - no viewpoints, no dramatic clearings - but that's rather the point.

Kids will get something out of it if they're the exploring type, less so if they need constant stimulation. The walk suits adults after a bit of quiet, and families looking to burn off energy without faffing about with a major attraction. Bring wellies if it's been wet; the ground holds water.

It works well as part of a broader park holiday around Petersfield. Adhurst Yurts, just 2.4 miles away, makes a proper base for this kind of thing - you can walk straight from there into the surrounding countryside. Cedar Valley, 3.3 miles south, gives you another option if you want something more conventional. Neither park will have you short of walks and outdoor stuff.

Free to access, no fees, no gates. Turn up when you fancy. Early morning when it's quiet is best, before the dog walkers descend in numbers. The copse won't change your life, but it's genuinely good for a forest morning if you're in the area.