Poxwell Big Wood

The woodland around Poxwell is proper old-school Dorset - dense, darkish forest that feels a world away from Dorchester town centre, though it's only a few miles south. You're walking among established trees, some genuinely ancient, with the kind of quiet that makes you remember why people bother with forests at all.

It's not a manicured country estate or a visitor centre with a cafe. This is genuine working woodland, which means it rewards walkers who know what they're doing but won't suit anyone after a quick stroll with clear signposting. Bring a proper map or save the area on your phone before you head in - mobile signal can be patchy under the canopy.

The woodland works brilliantly if you're staying at Ringstead Bay Camping, which sits just under a mile away. Pop in for a walk that stretches the legs properly, then head back to the coast. Purbeck Glamping is another 3.5 miles further on if you're basing yourself that way. Either way, it breaks up a beach-focused holiday with something completely different.

Allow a good couple of hours if you're serious about exploring - you can easily do less, but rushing through defeats the point. The ground can be boggy in winter and after rain, so decent boots matter. Free to access, obviously, being actual woodland. Best in autumn when the light filters through properly and the floor's carpeted with leaves.