There is plenty to keep children busy here all day with an excellent play park and hands-on nature exhibits, as well as trails across the heath where you will see the park in its full glory with purple heather, silver sandy paths and wildlife-filled ponds.

The Hayling Billy Trail is a former railway track that used to bring tourists down to holiday by the sea. Nowadays the route provides a brilliantly flat multi-use path for walkers and cyclists along the entire western shore of the island.

Frensham Little Pond is less visited than its more well known big brother, Frensham Great Pond. Unlike the latter, you cannot bathe at the little pond which means wildlife thrives in the water and surrounding woods and heath.

Walk under the tallest trees in the New Forest on this easy to follow forestry trail. At the end, play in the steam, take a picnic or grab and ice-cream from the van.

Hartland Country Park is an attractive space comprising woodland, meadows and ponds. Easy, surfaced paths lead to little surprises such as a children’s bike track, picnic area and wooden play area.

If you are visiting The New Forest during the school holidays, then you will not want to miss this walk. Children can view the UK’s native reptiles in a series of pods before embarking on a discovery trail through the forest that will encourage them to engage with their senses.

The River Meon, which children and dogs can access at the water meadows, flows through the large village of Wickham. Our walk follows a section of the Meon Valley Trail and passes by this popular spot.

The tall beech trees of Blackwood Forest provide the ideal habitat for spring bluebells. Forest Holidays manage a collection of log cabins here, but you do not need to be on one of their breaks to be able to enjoy some of their excellent facilities and of course, the bluebells.

Surrounded by residential areas on three sides, you might be surprised by just how peaceful and beautiful this large woodland is. Take a walk among the bluebells in spring or bring your bikes and enjoy the multi use trails in summer.