With a commanding hillside position accessed only by footpaths, St Martha’s Church is a perfect place to pause and picnic. Our guide has a host of interesting extensions you can add to you visit.

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.

This isn’t a long walk, but it still has an awful lot to see and do. You will find large grassy spaces for picnics, a shoreline with Southampton Water, a waterside play area, wooded glades with bluebells and the crowning glory of this walk - the magnificent romantic ruins of Netley Abbey.

Start this walk in Southwick, an attractive village that has retained its historical charm, and then head out across the farmland of the wider estate. On your return you can visit the remains of Southwick Priory, now in the stewardship of English Heritage, and the village tea rooms, which come highly recommended.

Nestled at the centre of The South Downs, Midhurst is home to the country estate of Cowdray. Our easy, pushchair friendly walk begins at their excellent farm shop and café and passes by the polo grounds and impressive heritage ruins.

Waverley Abbey was the first Cistercian monastery in Britain. The ruins are now free to roam around and can be combined with this gentle walk to the attractive village of Tilford, with a pub on its village green.