Shere is about as quintessentially English as a village can get with quaint cottages, timber framed houses, cosy pubs, tea-rooms and a river trickling through it. If you fancy a festive walk, you can follow in the footsteps of the stars of the Christmas movie The Holiday as this walk passes some of the filming locations.

Hambledon, known as the ‘Cradle of Cricket’, is a rural village packed full of attractive country homes and a popular tea room. Our walk loops around the perimeter of the village, taking you up onto the National Trust’s Speltham Down.

Holybourne is an attractive village on the outskirts of Alton. There is a great play area, family-friendly pub, duckpond and a network of paths in the surrounding fields.

Nestled in the Test Valley, Stockbridge is a charming little town with streets lined with independent shops and eateries. The clear waters of The Test, filtered through chalk, make their way through Common Marsh, which can be accessed directly from the high street.

With some of the most glorious views we have seen in Hampshire, this walk would be treat enough in its own right. But when you add on refreshments from the destination café and bar that is The Dell, it becomes a absolute showstopper!

Chiddingfold is a gorgeous Surrey Hills village with fine homes and a timber framed pub set around a large green. Our walk starts from the recreation ground with small play area and heads across farmland and bluebell woodland with river a river running through.

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.

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.

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.