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.

This walk takes in both the heathland and the woodland of the the New Forest as well as wildlife rich marshland and pools.

Follow the Radnor Trail through varied woodland from ancient deciduous to Norway spruce to Bratley Water where children can splash in the stream. The walk ends at a viewing platform, where if you are lucky, you will see a herd of fallow deer. A great choice for the autumn.

Whilst the grown ups admire the bluebells, wood anemone and other flowers that grow in this little woodland in spring, children can be kept entertained as they look out for the exquisite tree carvings hidden throughout this walk.

Eyeworth pond was created in 1871 to supply water to a nearby gunpowder factory, but these days it is a good spot for a picnic and to spot birds atop the lily pad covered water.

At the far western edge of Hampshire is this must do walk for families with a huge sandpit to explore, a ford to paddle in and plenty of New Forest ponies.