Kingley Vale, near Chichester, is one of the UK’s original national nature reserves with some of the oldest trees in the country. It is a truly atmospheric place to walk, and as well as the grove of ancient trees, you will also find spectacular views that stretch as far as the sea.

‘The abandoned medieval village of Hartley Mauditt’ is how this place is mysteriously described on the ordinance survey map. As the description suggests, there is not much left of the village other than the 12th century church, a pond and some delightful countryside to explore.

Starting at Burbush car park, you can follow a disused railway track for a flat, linear walk which could end at a tea-room, or a circular walk that ascends to Holmsley Ridge with great views before descending again to Whitten Ponds.

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.

The short walk here always seems to take us hours as the children are so busy feeding the ducks, climbing the tree trunks, splashing in the ford, making dens and enjoying what feels like one natural playground to them.

At the heart of this easy walk near Petersfield is the pick-your-own farm where strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries are ripe for the picking in summer and pumpkins in autumn.