Many families will come to California Country Park for its outstanding play area, sensory water play and seasonal paddling pool. But there is more to be discovered in the park, including lakeside walks and a hundred acres of lowland heath and bogland accessed by boardwalks.

Cheriton has featured in some of our walks before. We keep being drawn back to the clear waters of the Itchen, the pretty thatched cottages, the hidden park and the plethora of footpaths. This time, we walked over peaceful lanes and fields to Holden Farm, where just off the South Downs Way, you will find the perfect setting for enjoying refreshments.

The pretty coastal town of Lymington is a must for any family staying in the New Forest. Our walk takes you on a tour of the town from the attractive Woodside Gardens with a play area along the sea wall, to the marina and quay.

There are some gorgeous villages in this part of the South Downs and this walk links two of them, Singleton and Charlton. Both have great pubs and Singleton has a brilliant play area. The two villages are overlooked by Levin Down, a hillside covered in natural grassland.

This linear route explores the section of the Itchen way between Allbrook and Bishopstoke. The water is in view to your side throughout the whole walk and it is easy to spot wildlife in the clear water. The recreation ground in Bishopstoke provided a sensible turning back point, after a play at the little park.

West of Stockbridge, three charming villages are strung together by the Wallop Brook. Our walk starts in Nether Wallop and loops around Middle and Over Wallop. Nether Wallop holds the biggest attractions for children, which include a delightful riverside picnic area and an outstanding park