Straight, flat, easy to follow and rich in wildlife; The Chichester Ship Canal ticks all the boxes when it comes to a family walk. If you have never walked here before, you will be shocked to discover the secret of this beautiful waterway that quietly passes right beneath the A27.

The Canal Centre at Mytchett is an excellent place to explore The Basingstoke Canal. You will find plenty here to entertain the whole family including this easy walk around the tow path.

The restored Basingstoke Canal is a beautiful place to walk or navigate. It is a haven for wildlife and rich in history. This walk takes you around one of the most attractive sections between Dogmersfield and Winchfield.

This is a linear walk that packs in many sights. It starts from the Titchfield Canal and follows the water for a short way before emerging at the village, whose main street is lined with historic timber framed buildings. From there, the walk will lead you to Titchfield Abbey and a children’s play area.

Overlooking the Meon Valley and not actually in Winchester, Old Winchester Hill is a National Nature Reserve with views across The South Downs as far as the Isle of Wight. The chalk grassland is covered in wild flowers and butterflies in summer and you stand a good chance of spotting birds of prey such as red kites.

Follow the banks of The River Beaulieu to the picturesque ship building hamlet of Buckler’s Hard with its Georgian cottages running down to the quay. There is plenty for the whole family to see and do on this walk, which starts from the popular New Forest village of Beaulieu.