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.

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.

Runnymede, the birthplace of modern democracy, is now a beautiful open space of meadows beside The River Thames. The area is managed by The National Trust and throughout the site, you can find various art installations and memorials. Riverside walks connect you to the pleasure grounds.

Hidden among the trees beside the River Tillingbourne are the remnants of our industrial heritage. As well as uncovering the ruins from the gunpowder mills, children can also find a paddling area in one of the old waterways.

Just a stone’s throw from the heart of Winchester is this wetland nature reserve, known as the gateway to The River Itchen. The all access pathways take you over reedbeds, past ponds and sections of the river.

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.

Riverside Park in Southampton marks the point where the Itchen Navigation reaches a tidal estuary on its way to the sea. Flat, surfaced paths guide you along the river where you will find play areas and even a miniature railway along the way.

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.

It is easy to understand why royalty have been coming to Avington Park for centuries; the setting beside the Itchen is idyllic. This walk provides great views of the house, bridges over the river, a hilltop swing and Hampshire countryside at its finest.