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.

This is a linear walk that features plenty of things to keep young walkers motivated from ancient trees, a tea-room, riverside pubs with play areas, a natural woodland play area, a village playground, a paddling spot and a farm shop.

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.

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.

Follow the gentle meanders of The River Arun around pretty Sussex villages with chalk escarpments, rolling farmland and downland ridges as a backdrop. Complete the walk with refreshments at the riverside pub or tearooms or a visit to Amberley musuem.

There are plenty of reasons for making a visit to the attractive West Sussex town of Arundel and this walk around Arundel Park, taking in Swanbourne Lake and Hirone Tower is definitely one of them.

If you are looking for a place to take the family for a walk in the New Forest, then Wilverley Inclosure makes an excellent choice with its firm, waymarked paths, toilets and a picnic area.

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.

Stansted Park stands in 1800 acres of parkland and forest with miles of footpaths and bridleways to explore. This guide gives you three family friendly walks to chose from that can all be combined with a visit to the house and other attractions.