Stonywalls Plantation

The woods around Stonywalls Plantation are proper Hampshire - mixed woodland with decent paths and enough privacy to actually hear yourself think. You'll find mature trees, clearings, and that particular kind of English forest where the light filters through in golden streaks on a good day.

It's the sort of place walkers genuinely enjoy rather than somewhere you're herded around on a marked trail. The terrain is manageable but not flat, so families with younger kids might find it a bit of a slog depending on how far you fancy pushing on. Older kids and adults keen on a proper woodland walk will get the most from it - you can lose a good couple of hours in here without feeling rushed.

Alresford is your nearest base, and it's only a short drive away, which makes this a solid addition to a wider park holiday rather than a destination in itself. If you're staying at Beechen Glamping or The Spinney just down the road, you could easily combine this with their walking trails and the surrounding countryside. Woodlands Camping is also close enough that you wouldn't be travelling far.

No entrance fee as far as I can tell, which is always welcome. Bring decent boots though - Hampshire clay doesn't drain quickly, and even a few days after rain the paths stay boggy. Go when the weather's settled rather than after heavy rainfall. A couple of hours is realistic if you're not pushing into every corner, but walkers who like to dawdle will happily stretch it to half a day.