The Chantries or Chantry Wood, is a well known place to enjoy bluebells in Surrey and it isn’t hard to see why. The display here is breath-taking. Added to this, the elevated position of the wood means there is an option to take in viewpoints giving vistas across the Surrey Hills.

East Dean is a peaceful West Sussex village with pretty flint cottages surrounding a village duck pond and green. Our walk climbs through woodland, passing a surprising totem pole. Children will enjoy visiting the milkshake vending machine at a nearby dairy farm.

Angmering Park Estate is privately owned but a network of public footpaths and bridlepaths run across it, meaning the public can enjoy walking here too. Our walk circles Wepham Wood where the estate paths are really well maintained and there are plenty of bluebells in late April/early May.

In 2023, a new playground was completed in Rowlands Castle. Using this as a starting point, if you walk over the splendid village green, passing pubs and a café, you will find yourself in a forest where long grassy rides frame views of Stansted House.

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.

When we arrived on a misty autumn morning, it was easy to see why some people consider these woods to be enchanted. The sight of an abandoned church hidden in the trees was definitely an eerie sight, but as the sun broke through the mist we discovered miles of quiet woodland that is perfect for peaceful family walks.

Just a stone’s throw from the town centre, Midhurst common is a delightful place to explore with plenty of paths through woodland and sandy heath. Three ponds are home to an abundance of fish and are accessed by silver sandy dunes.

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.