The jewel in the crown of the ancient market town of Petersfield, the Heath and The Pond have long been popular with families looking for an easy stroll with plenty to keep the children entertained.

The attractive village of Oakhanger is bordered by Shortheath Common, which has special conservation status in recognition of its many habitats. It also has a rather splendid play area right beside the start of this short walk.

Just within the boundary of The South Downs National Park, Selborne is an attractive village with 267 acres of countryside looked after The National Trust. This walk follows the Short and Long Lythe, passes three ponds and returns through woodland.

‘The abandoned medieval village of Hartley Mauditt’ is how this place is mysteriously described on the ordinance survey map. As the description suggests, there is not much left of the village other than the 12th century church, a pond and some delightful countryside to explore.

We went looking for a walk in The New Forest that would celebrate the late summer heather of the heathlands and this is what we found. Add in a trip to nearby Burley for an excellent day out in the national park.

The short walk here always seems to take us hours as the children are so busy feeding the ducks, climbing the tree trunks, splashing in the ford, making dens and enjoying what feels like one natural playground to them.

The New Forest’s largest freshwater pond is a magnet for animals and birds and is one of the most wildlife rich bodies of water in lowland England. This walk crosses the heathland, purple in late summer, to reach it.

Buriton has long been one of our favourite villages to take a Sunday afternoon stroll around. The girls love to feed the ducks and the well equipped park is one of their favourites.

Kingsley boasts a rather large and beautiful village pond that is hidden from the road. Beyond this is a sandy common dotted with gnarly oaks and coated in purple heather.