Shalden Park Wood

A proper woodland walk near Alton that doesn't require booking ahead or paying entrance fees. Shalden Park Wood is the sort of place locals know about and visitors stumble upon by accident - dense beech and oak with paths that wind through naturally without the corporate 'attractions' feel.

The trees here are genuinely old. You'll spend most of your time under a solid canopy, which means it's cool even on warm days and stays relatively dry when everywhere else is sodden. The paths are manageable rather than challenging - nothing like the serious chalk walks further south, but proper woodland terrain underfoot.

Walkers get the most from this. It's not somewhere you'll find benches, visitor centres, or much explanation of what you're looking at, which is exactly why it works. You're navigating by instinct, following trails that have clearly been worn by years of locals doing the same. Budget two hours if you're taking it slow, an hour if you know where you're headed.

Families with older kids will find it entertaining enough for a morning's ramble between other plans. Younger children might find it a bit samey - just trees and more trees. Bring a dog and they'll have the time of their lives.

If you're staying at Wigwam Holidays or Feather Down Manor Farm nearby, this is worth the short drive. It breaks up a park-based holiday without feeling like you're driving halfway across Hampshire. Go early if you want relative peace, especially on weekends.