South Plantation

Ancient woodland stretches across rolling hills just inland from Weymouth, offering proper countryside walking without the coastal crowds. South Plantation is one of those working forests where you'll find well-maintained tracks threading between mature trees - mainly beech and oak with patches of conifers that were planted decades ago. The paths are wide enough for pushchairs on the main routes, though muddier side trails reward those willing to venture deeper.

Families staying at nearby holiday parks like Warmwell or Bowleaze Cove will find this a refreshing change from beach days. Kids can scramble over fallen logs and collect acorns while parents actually get some proper exercise. Dog walkers absolutely love it here - plenty of space to let spaniels charge about off-lead.

Expect to spend a good hour or two if you're doing the full circuit, less if little legs start complaining. The woodland feels most magical in autumn when the canopy turns gold, though it's lovely year-round. Spring brings bluebells to certain sections, making it well worth the short drive from Weymouth's seafront.

Being a working plantation, you might encounter forestry vehicles, but they're rare. The forest connects to longer walking routes heading towards the Ridgeway, so serious hikers can extend their day considerably. Not the most dramatic landscape Dorset offers, but a cracking spot for clearing your head between beach sessions.