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.

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.

There is plenty of appeal along this easy route along the River Ems from the busy harbour town of Emsworth with its picturesque mill pond, to the pretty village of Westbourne and Brook Meadow Nature Reserve.

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.

A walk around the Chidham peninsula is well worth the effort due to its central position in The Chichester Harbour Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. But, if the full 8km walk is too much for your family, we have provided details of some shorter options that won’t compromise on the views.

Forgive the photography, this little chap wouldn’t look the right way! But in this tree, you might be able to spot a red panda. This has to be the only footpath in the country where you have a good chance of spotting red pandas, rhinos and wallabies!

Knowle Park is a small, but brand new community space in Cranleigh where you will find an adventure playground, ponds, snack kiosks, an amphitheatre, picnic areas and meadow.