Stock Copse

Stock Copse is a proper working forest just a short drive from Southampton, where you can actually walk among the trees without feeling like you're in someone's manicured garden. The woodland is genuine Hampshire - mixed deciduous with plenty of beech and oak, the kind of place where the light filters through in that golden way that makes you understand why people bother with forests at all.

It's ideal for anyone after a proper woodland walk rather than a theme park experience. The paths wind through without being signed to death, which is refreshing. You can spend a couple of hours here easily, or knock off a quick 45 minutes if you're short on time. Families with older kids will manage fine; younger ones might find it a bit samey after 20 minutes unless you make a game of spotting wildlife.

No visitor centre, no cafe, no gift shop. Just forest. That's either exactly what you want or not what you want at all. Free access as far as anyone can tell, though it's worth checking locally since these things change. Go on a weekday morning if you value peace - weekends bring the usual crowd of people photographing their dogs.

If you're based at Roundhill Campsite nearby, this is your natural morning or afternoon break. It doesn't require special gear or planning, just decent footwear and an hour to spare. It's the kind of walk that settles your head without demanding anything of you.