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.

Straight, flat, easy to follow and rich in wildlife; The Chichester Ship Canal ticks all the boxes when it comes to a family walk. If you have never walked here before, you will be shocked to discover the secret of this beautiful waterway that quietly passes right beneath the A27.

The Canal Centre at Mytchett is an excellent place to explore The Basingstoke Canal. You will find plenty here to entertain the whole family including this easy walk around the tow path.

The restored Basingstoke Canal is a beautiful place to walk or navigate. It is a haven for wildlife and rich in history. This walk takes you around one of the most attractive sections between Dogmersfield and Winchfield.

There are two abbeys for children to explore on this short walk. One is the glorious ruin of Titchfield Abbey and the other is a wooden play structure inspired by the former and set in a brand new park, Abbey Meadows.

Overlooking the Meon Valley and not actually in Winchester, Old Winchester Hill is a National Nature Reserve with views across The South Downs as far as the Isle of Wight. The chalk grassland is covered in wild flowers and butterflies in summer and you stand a good chance of spotting birds of prey such as red kites.