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.

A new play trail has arrived at Itchen Valley Country Park, adding to the already excellent play facilities. Enjoy the new wooden, nature themed structures as well as walks through woodland, wildflower meadows and water meadows.

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.

Surrounded by residential areas on three sides, you might be surprised by just how peaceful and beautiful this large woodland is. Take a walk among the bluebells in spring or bring your bikes and enjoy the multi use trails in summer.

Royal Victoria is a country park with something for everyone from woodland to shoreline to parkland. Throughout this landscape you will find historical buildings, play areas and a miniature trainline. The whole park is flat and has marked trails, making it easy to explore.

Once a claypit for the local brickworks, this nature reserve is now a wildlife oasis with a series of little lakes and woodland alive with birds. In between Portsmouth and Southampton, and close to the M27, it is easy to access and easy to explore.

Holly Hill Woodland Park is a restored example of Victorian landscaped parkland. You will find ponds, exotic tree species, rock features and ornamental bridges as well as native woodland with a fabulous viewpoint over The River Hamble.

Hamble is a picturesque sailing village with cobbled streets and quaint shops. This walk passes through the village where you will enjoy river views before crossing the heathland of Hamble Common and the shoreline beyond.

There are two abbeys for children to explore on this short walk. One is the glorious ruin of Titchfield Abbey and the other is a wooden play structure inspired by the former and set in a brand new park, Abbey Meadows.