Many families will come to California Country Park for its outstanding play area, sensory water play and seasonal paddling pool. But there is more to be discovered in the park, including lakeside walks and a hundred acres of lowland heath and bogland accessed by boardwalks.

The pretty coastal town of Lymington is a must for any family staying in the New Forest. Our walk takes you on a tour of the town from the attractive Woodside Gardens with a play area along the sea wall, to the marina and quay.

Horsell Common has a mixture of landscapes, all of which can be explored on this walk. You will find yourself crossing rivers, wetlands, meadows, woodland and sandy heath. The walk starts and finishes at Heather Farm Cafe which overlooks the wetlands. Children will love playing at the huge natural sandpit half-way around.

A longer walk, that packs in an awful lot. Starting from a beautiful country pub, the walk follows Hazeley Heath towards Hartley Wintney. You will find views of historic houses, quiet ponds, a woodland play area and remnants of WW2 tank training.

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.

A linear walk or bike ride along the scenic Basingstoke Canal in Fleet connects two remarkably good play areas.