Broadwater Park has plenty to keep families with a play area, ducks to feed, a lake to walk around and waffles to try. But just across the road is The Godalming Navigation, which makes a walk here even more interesting as you can watch the barges traverse the locks.

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.

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 to keep children busy here all day with an excellent play park and hands-on nature exhibits, as well as trails across the heath where you will see the park in its full glory with purple heather, silver sandy paths and wildlife-filled ponds.

Walk under the tallest trees in the New Forest on this easy to follow forestry trail. At the end, play in the steam, take a picnic or grab and ice-cream from the van.

Knowle Park is a small, but brand new community space in Cranleigh where you will find an adventure playground, ponds, snack kiosks, an amphitheatre, picnic areas and meadow.

Hartland Country Park is an attractive space comprising woodland, meadows and ponds. Easy, surfaced paths lead to little surprises such as a children’s bike track, picnic area and wooden play area.

If you are visiting The New Forest during the school holidays, then you will not want to miss this walk. Children can view the UK’s native reptiles in a series of pods before embarking on a discovery trail through the forest that will encourage them to engage with their senses.