Selbourne Common

Selbourne Common is covered in towering trees, wildflower meadows and a hidden pond.

As you walk around, an occasional gap in the trees reveals a beautiful view across the Hampshire Downs, as if to remind you how high up you are.

The Zig-Zag Path

This path was cut by the naturalist Gilbert White and his brother in 1753 to make accessing Selbourne Common easier.

The Selbourne Hanger

The Zig-Zag path is on the steepest side of the hill, called the Selbourne Hanger. It is covered in precariously balanced trees.

The ascent is fairly gradual and not a challenging climb. We climbed for about ten minutes before reaching the top. 

The Views

The path seems never-ending but the higher you climb, the more rewarding the view.

By the time you reach the top, the views are breathtaking and the well placed bench is the perfect place to relax and enjoy them.

Go Wild

There are plenty of plants and animals for children to discover – stag beetles, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects as well as birds, orchids and fungi.

Nearest Town: Selbourne, near Alton
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU34 3JR

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Either bring a picnic and blanket or alternatively, check out the Selbourne Arms, which is next to the car park. 
Facilities: There are toilets and accessible toilets in the car park but nothing on the common.

How Long We Spent There: 2.5 hours
Buggies: We did not bring a buggy with us and were glad we hadn’t – the Zig-Zag path is steep and narrow with frequent steps. 

Parking: There is a car park behind the Selbourne Arms pub. From this car park, follow the ‘Footpath to Selbourne Common’ signs, which lead you down a shady footpath to the start of the Zig-Zag path.
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, stag beetles, dragonflies and other insects.

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: June 2025

Our visit to Selbourne Common in Selbourne, near Alton, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Hankley Common

Hankley Common has beautiful views and some of the finest heathland in Southern England, all criss-crossed by a network of paths. 

We have stumbled across lizards, onto film sets and down steep, sandy hills. 

The Atlantic Wall

Hidden in the trees near Upper Car Park is the Atlantic Wall, which was built by Canadian soldiers in 1943. 

This was used to train soldiers to overcome the German defences they might face in northern France. 

Dragon’s Teeth

Scattered through the nearby trees are pyramid-shaped anti-tank obstacles, which were also used for training.   

James Bond

Hankley Common was one of the locations used for James Bond’s childhood home in the film Skyfall.  

Thor’s Den

There is a nearby play area called Thor’s Den, which is on the edge of Thursley Common, just a short drive from Hankley Common.

 

Nearest Town:  Thursley, near Farnham
County:  Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU8 6LW

Opens:  Daily
Cost:  Free

Where to Eat:  Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There:  2 hours
Buggies:  I wouldn’t bring a buggy here as there are sandy hills to navigate. 

Parking:  There are two car parks that can both be found from Thursley Road. The first is called Upper Car Park and can be found using post code GU8 6LW. It is at the top of a little side road that comes off Thursley Road on the double bend (opposite a sign that says “Hankley TRG Area DZ Huts”). The second is called Thursley Public Car Park, which can be found using post code GU10 2LQ and is towards The Sculpture Park end of the road. 
Cost of Parking:  Free

Wildlife You Might See:  Birds, lizards, deer and insects.

Information Written:  November 2020
Information Checked:  May 2025

 

Our visit to Hankley Common in Elstead is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

 

Shere Woodlands

The woods have a wild and enchanted feel.

Pools of water collect amongst the beech tree roots

hidden pathways lead you to secret dens

and the trees seem alive. 

This is a special spot for us and we often come here to tell fairy tales about the creatures who might live here. 

The View

If you follow a path through the woods, you eventually come to a bench that looks out over the hills. It is a wonderful spot to watch the sunset.

Combe Bottom

You can also walk down the hill to Combe Bottom 

a Stone Age quarry and a World War 2 pillbox…but be warned, this isn’t called West Hanger for nothing.

The paths down are very steep 

and uneven.

From West Hanger Car Park

From the car park there are two paths into the woods. 

The path on the left goes into the woods and is flat but bumpy, although I had no problems with an all terrain buggy. 

The path on the right is the North Downs Way and is wider and smoother, although it was still rutted and muddy in places.

Both paths join up just before the view point, if you stay on the top of the hill.

Nearest Town: Shere, near Guildford, Surrey Hills
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU5 9TE

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket or use one of the picnic tables. There is also a mobile cafe that visits (see the website for details). 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: We used a buggy on the paths on top of the hill but the paths down the hill are much too steep. 

Parking: West Hanger car park
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies, dragonflies and other insects.

Information Written: August 2016
Information Checked: August 2023

Our visit to West Hanger and Combe Bottom in Shere Woodlands near Guildford and in the Surrey Hills is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

St Martha’s Hill and Colyers Hanger

Accessible only on foot, St Martha’s Hill has been a place of worship since Norman times and its beautiful views makes it easy to see why.  

At the very top is St Martha-on-the-Hill church.

The Paths

The paths to the top of the hill are sandy, steep and uneven in places. It took us about 20 minutes to reach the top at a child’s pace. 

The Other Trails

There are other trails shown on the information board and in the car park, one of which is easy access. 

Nearest Town: Chilworth, near Guildford
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU4 8PZ

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket. 
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: About two hours.
Buggies: I wouldn’t bring one as there are uneven paths and sandy slopes, which can be steep. 

Parking: There are two car parks, one at Halfpenny Lane (GU4 8PZ) and another on Guildford Lane (GU5 9BQ).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, reptiles butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to St Martha’s Hill in Guildford is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve

The Lymington-Keyhaven Nature Reserve is an expanse of coastal lagoons, mudflats and marshes and an important nesting site for birds.  

The mud flats look very different at high 

and low tide.

Salt Production

To produce salt, coastal lagoons were built into salt docks, called Salterns, which trapped the sea water. 

The sea water was left to evaporate and, once reduced to a salty solution, it was heated in metal pans until only salt crystals were left.  

All that remains of this industry are the lagoons and this building, which was once a salt barn.  You can find this between points 4 and 5 on the Story Trail map. 

The Story Trail

The Story of Salterns, Sea Monsters and Saving the Day is a story trail that takes you back to 1832 and the life of a salt farmer as they meet sailors, smugglers and a huge sea monster. 

The Paths

The paths are flat and easy to walk along with a range of surfaces.

Finding the Reserve

To find the reserve, follow the post code to Maiden Lane, where you can park. Where Maiden Lan becomes Normandy Lane, you will see this side road. 

You can either take the small footpath on your left (next to the green bin in the photo)

or follow the road a little further and enter the reserve through this gate, which is where the story trail begins.

Nearest Town: Lymington, near Christchurch in the New Forest
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO41 8AF

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 1.5 hours
Buggies: The paths are flat and easy to walk on.

Parking: You can park on Maiden Lane by the side of the road. 
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Birds and seabirds.

Information Written: July 2022

Our visit to Lymington and Keyhaven Marshes Local Nature Reserve and the Salterns Story Trail in the New Forest is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle dates back to about 1066 and the Norman invasion of England.  

It has plenty of history to enjoy, including arrow slits, oubliette dungeons and soaring walls,

medieval warfare equipment for children to try out 

and also a 1,000 year old murder mystery – who killed King Edward?

Swanage Railway

Corfe Castle sits next to the Swanage Railway line and you can see the trains steam past.

This full-size heritage railway operates a range of steam and diesel locomotives, as well as historic carriages.

Nearest Town: Corfe Castle, near Wareham
County: Dorset
Nearest Postcode: BH20 5EZ

Adult Cost Range: Free with National Trust membership. Various prices for non-members. Please see their website for details. 
Child Cost Range: Free with National Trust membership. Various prices for non-members. Please see their website for details. 
Free if: Under 5 years or with National Trust membership.

Opens: Various times throughout the year. Please see their website for details.

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic, try the cafe or one eat at one of the nearby pubs.
Facilities: Cafe, shop, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets and accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 1 hour.
Buggies: Some of the castle is buggy-friendly but there are also slopes, steps and narrow walkways in some areas.  

Parking: There are a few car parks to choose from, including a National Trust car park, as well as a few parking spaces in the village.
Cost of Parking: Varies depending on the car park you choose. The National Trust car park is free for members.  

Information Written: June 2022

Our visit to Corfe Castle in Swanage is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Ashford Hangers

The Ashford Hangers is a National Nature Reserve with invigoratingly steep hillsides covered in clinging trees and breathtaking views extending across Hampshire and Sussex.

Shoulder of Mutton Hill

This is the view from the top of Shoulder of Mutton Hill and it is every bit as spectacular as people say. 

The stone you can see is a memorial to the poet Edward Thomas, who lived in this area from 1906 to 1916. 

Where to Next?

From Shoulder of Mutton Hill you can continue on to Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill

or back down to Lutcombe Pond and Ashford Stream.

Finding Shoulder of Mutton Hill

There are different ways to reach Shoulder of Mutton Hill and the top of the Ashford Hangers but these are the three routes I use, all of which involve climbs:

Route 1: From Lutcombe Pond:

From the car park at GU32 1AB, follow the path that runs along Ashford Stream, keeping Lutcombe Pond on your right. 

Keep walking straight up the hill and when you are nearly at the top,  you come to these steps. 

Follow this path all the way to Shoulder of Mutton Hill.

Route 2: From Lutcombe Pond Using the Little Bridge:

From the car park at GU32 1AB, follow the path that runs along Ashford Stream, but this time cross the little bridge and keep Lutcombe Pond on your left.

Follow the path to the right and you come to these steps, which are at the foot of Shoulder of Mutton Hill. 

A short but very steep climb will take you all the way to the top.

Route 3: From Ashford Farm:

From the car park at GU32 1AB, 

follow the path as it leads up the hangers.  

After a climb and some twists and turns, you will find yourself at these stairs and Wheatham Hill. 

Continue on this fairly flat path and Shoulder of Mutton hill is a little further on and on the left. 

Nearest Town: Steep, Near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 1AA or GU32 1AB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: The first path from the car park to the pond is buggy friendly but the paths quickly become steep and uneven afterwards. 

Parking: There is a small space for a few cars to park off the road (GU32 1AB) on Ashford Lane. There is also an area where cars park to the side of Ashford Farm (GU32 1AA). 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, other insects and birds.

Information Written: January 2024

Our visit to Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve in Steep, near Petersfield (including Lutcombe Pond, Ashford Stream, Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill and Shoulder of Mutton Hill) is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Ashford Hangers

The Ashford Hangers is a National Nature Reserve with invigoratingly steep hillsides covered in clinging trees and breathtaking views extending across Hampshire and Sussex.

Wheatham Hill

Wheatham Hill is 249m high, making it one of the highest hills in Hampshire. 

At the top is a trig point, a bench and a spectacular spot for a picnic. 

The beautiful views extend to Selbourne Common and beyond to what I think are the Hogs Back, Gibbet Hill and Crooksbury Hill. 

Cobbett’s View

William Cobbett (1763-1835) was many things – radical, journalist, farmer, MP, political and social reformer. 

Starting in 1822, he went on a series of journeys to see for himself the conditions of rural life. He recorded his findings, which became the book Rural Rides.

On 24 November 1822, Cobbett arrived at the Ashford Hangers and describes his adventure through the hangers to Wheatham Hill, which is now known As Cobbett’s View.

To the Top!

I will let William Cobbett explain about the spectacular joys of walking to the top of Wheatham Hill!

“On we trotted up this pretty green lane; and indeed, we had been coming gently and generally up hill for a good while. 

“The lane was between highish banks and pretty high stuff growing on the banks, so that we could see no distance from us, 

“and could receive not the smallest hint of what was so near at hand. 

“The lane had a little turn towards the end; so that, out we came, all in a moment, at the very edge of the hanger! And never, in all my life, was I so surprised and so delighted! 

“I pulled up my horse, and sat and looked; and it was like looking from the top of a castle down into the sea, except that the valley was land and not water…

“These hangers are woods on the sides of very steep hills. The trees and underwood hang, in some sort, to the ground, instead of standing on it. Hence these places are called Hangers.”

The above description of Cobbett’s adventure in the Ashford Hangers starts on page 127 of Rural Rides. You can find a free online copy on the Project Gutenberg website. 

Finding Wheatham Hill

There are different ways to reach Wheatham Hill and the top of the Ashford Hangers but these are the two routes I use:

From Lutcombe Pond:

From the car park at GU32 1AB, follow the path that runs along Ashford Stream, keeping Lutcombe Pond on your right. 

Keep walking straight up the hill and when you are nearly at the top,  you come to these steps. Follow this path to Shoulder of Mutton Hill and then on to Wheatham Hill, which is at the top of these stairs. 

From Ashford Farm:

From the car park at GU32 1AB, follow this path as it leads up the hangers.  

After a steep climb and some twists and turns, you will find yourself at these same stairs and Wheatham Hill. 

Nearest Town: Steep, Near Petersfield
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: GU32 1AB or GU32 1AA

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: The paths up the hangers are often steep and/or narrow. I have seen a couple of families taking little children on these walks but never with buggies. 

Parking: There is a small space for a few cars to park off the road (GU32 1AB) on Ashford Lane. There is also an area where cars park to the side of Ashford Farm (GU32 1AA). 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, other insects and birds.

Information Written: January 2024

Our visit to the Ashford Hangers National Nature Reserve in Steep, near Petersfield (including Lutcombe Pond, Ashford Stream, Cobbett’s View on Wheatham Hill and Shoulder of Mutton Hill) is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The House and Lawn

The house is picture perfect 

with views over the surrounding hills, which you can enjoy from deckchairs. 

The Walks

There are various signposted walks around the gardens and wider estate.

Natural Play Areas

Scattered along the trails are natural play areas to enjoy with stumps, logs, dens 

and also a bird hide.

Kestrel Corner Play Area

Kestrel Corner Play Area is a wooden play area that is an easy ten minute walk from the house. 

It has equipment including a wooden multiplay with a slide and musical instruments, an obstacle course, swings and a tunnel.

Special Activities

As for many National Trust properties, Polesden Lacey runs activities for various age ranges throughout the year, which are listed on their website. 

When we visited there was a trail through the grounds with activities at each station, including hide and seek, cars to drive and lawn games. 

The Paths

There are various footpaths around the grounds – some are surfaced, some gravel and some earth and grass. We did not have any access problems and used an all-terrain buggy.

Nearest Town: Great Bookham, near Dorking
County: Berkshire
Nearest Postcode: RH5 6BD

Adult Cost Range: From £15
Child Cost Range: From £8
Free if: Under 5 or with National Trust membership

Opens: Daily (with some winter closures)

Where to Eat: There is a cafe, food vendors and you can bring a picnic.
Facilities: Snacks, ice cream, a shop, picnic areas toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: A full day.
Buggies: Buggy friendly.

Parking: There is a good sized car park.
Cost of Parking: £4 or free with National Trust membership

Wildlife You Might See: Butterflies, bees, insects and birds.

Information Written: April 2023

Our visit to Polesden Lacey in Great Bookham, near Dorking is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Frensham Great Pond

Swimming is permitted from one of the two sandy beaches at Frensham Great Pond. 

Frensham Little Pond

Frensham Little Pond is the smaller and more wild of the two ponds. It is a peaceful, picturesque and pine-scented place to explore. 

The Cafes

There is a cafe at each of the nearby ponds that sell snacks, drinks and ice creams.

The Paths

The paths around Frensham Common vary. Some are easy to walk on, others are deep sand;

some are on steep hills and others are flat. 

Where to Start?

The easiest way to access Frensham Common is to either start at one of the two ponds or to use the little lay-by next to St Mary’s School in Frensham (GU10 3DS).

From here you can head into the woods and up onto Frensham Common. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the spot where you can see both ponds. 

Nearest Town: Frensham, near Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 3DS (the lay-by), GU10 2QB (Frensham Great Pond), GU10 3BT (Frensham Little Pond).

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at one of the cafes at Frensham Little Pond or Frensham Great Pond. 
Facilities: There are cafes, snacks, ice cream, picnic area, toilets, accessible toilets at each of the ponds. 

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: I wouldn’t bring a buggy – some of the paths are deep sand and there are some steep hills. 

Parking: There are a few spaces at the lay-by mentioned above and large car parks at both ponds (see above for the post codes) but they can be very busy when the weather is warm.
Cost of Parking: The lay-by is free. Parking at either of the ponds is free for National Trust members or from £1.50 per hour.

Wildlife You Might See: Lots of birds, including ducks, swans, coots, moorhens, squirrels and sand lizards.

Information Written: May 2022
Information Checked: November 2023

Our visit to Frensham Common near Farnham is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

The Holmbury Hill Fort

The Hill Fort was built at some time between about 100 BC and 100 AD during the Iron Age. It had ramparts with ditches of up to 4m deep and 9m wide! 

We couldn’t see much of the Hill Fort but when the bracken has died back in the winter, you can see the walls better. 

The Hurtwood 

Holmbury Hill is located in The Hurtwood, which is over 2,000 acres of privately owned common land in the Surrey Hills. 

There is plenty to explore, whether by foot or bike – we counted 14 car parks, 3 viewpoints and 2 forts!

The Paths

The main paths around The Hurtwood are broad and easy to walk on but this is a hilly area. Some of the side paths are rougher and have steep slopes – this area is used by off-road cyclists. 

The path to the top of Holmbury Hill is easy to walk on with one steeper slope just before the viewpoint.

Nearest Town: Peaslake, near Dorking
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: RH5 6NU will get you close. Follow Radnor Road (away from Peaslake) for about a mile and Hurtwood Car Park 1 is on your left. 

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a blanket and a picnic.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: You could take an all terrain buggy to the top of the hill.

Parking: Car park
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: September 2023

Our visit to Holmbury Hill in The Hurtwood in the Surrey Hills, near Dorking, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Preface: Story Trails

A.A. Milne and his son Christopher Robin discovered Ashdown Forest together. 

We decided to follow in their footsteps and create our own Winnie-the-Pooh story trail. 

We used a walking route we found online (full details below) and our copies of Winnie-the-Pooh and The House at Pooh Corner .

Introduction: “We’re All Going On An Expotition…”

Like Winnie-the-Pooh, we called our expedition an ‘Expotition’.

We chose three areas of Ashdown Forest to visit: 

• Pooh Corner, Hartfield village (to set the scene at the Poohseum and to pick up maps so my children could ‘plan’ the Expotition over lunch)
• Pooh Bridge car park (as the first chapter of Winnie-the-Pooh starts at Pooh’s house, which is next to Pooh Bridge)
• Gills Lap car park.

Chapter 1: Pooh Corner 

Our Expotition began with lunch at Pooh Corner, a tea room and museum dedicated to all things Winnie-the-Pooh, which helped to set the scene for our story trail. 

We also had a good look at the map in the front of the books, which you also can see here on the EH Shephard website.  

The Pooh Corner staff are lovely and happy to give advice on places to visit in Ashdown Forest with maps.

Chapter 2: Pooh Bridge 

Pooh’s House 

Winnie-the-Pooh’s tree stump house is very near to Pooh Bridge.  

To find it, walk to the bridge from Pooh Bridge car park, cross the river and Pooh’s house is a very short walk away on the left of the path.  

When you find it, don’t forget to knock and “Rnig Also” to see if anyone is home!

Pooh Bridge 

This picturesque spot is where Pooh invents the game of Poohsticks.  

The bridge jumps straight out of the pages of the books, having been rebuilt in 1979 to match Shepard’s illustrations. 

Piglet’s House

You can find Piglet’s tiny house in the woods to the left of the main path (when walking back to Pooh Bridge car park).

Owl’s House

Owl’s high up house is there for the finding too.

Chapter 3: Gills Lap 

Note: We followed the walking route linked to below but in reverse because I wanted our trail to end at the Enchanted Place, the location for the last line of the books.  

These places and the route are shown on the map linked to below. 

Eeyore’s Sad and Gloomy Place (map marker 6)

We didn’t walk all the way to Eeyore’s Gloomy Place – it’s a long way and the name didn’t exactly sell it as a destination!  

Instead, we walked a little way past the stream and gazed across at the Gloomy Place before heading back to the stream and Quarry car park. 

The North Pole (map marker 5)

A little stream runs through this part of the forest and is believed to be the spot where Roo falls into a pool of water and Pooh finds the North Pole.   

Roo’s Sandy Pit (map marker next to the Quarry car park)

This former quarry is now overgrown and is where Pooh and his friends trick Kanga into leaving with Piglet instead of Roo.

The Milne and Shepard Memorial (map marker 3)

The memorial plaque commemorating A.A. Milne and E.H. Shephard has a stunning location

with places to sit and have a picnic or rest tired legs whilst marvelling at the view.

The Heffalump Trap (map marker top left)

If you are brave enough, you can build your own Heffalump trap in this Very Deep Pit dug by Piglet. 

But be careful, Christopher Robin spotted Heffalumps just lumping along in this part of the forest…

The Enchanted Place (map marker 2)

Our final stop, the Enchanted Place, is mentioned in the last line of The House at Pooh Corner, which makes me cry every time: 

“…in that enchanted place on the top of the Forest a little boy and his Bear will always be playing.”

Notes: Planning Your Expotition

Maps and Leaflets

The Pooh Corner staff give advice on which places to visit in Ashdown Forest and also have a little expotition map for children. 

I also printed this map and guide I found on another website called Pooh Walks from Gills Lap.

The Paths

The conditions along the paths varies – some parts are uneven and steep and others are flatter and easier.  

I have easily taken an all terrain buggy to Pooh Bridge from the Pooh Bridge car park but would opt for a sling when exploring the area around Gills Lap car park.

Nearest Town: Hartfield, Ashdown Forest, near East Grinstead
County: East Sussex
Nearest Postcode: TN7 4AE, TN7 4EX and TN7 4EN

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free 

Where to Eat: Eat at Pooh Corner Tea Rooms or bring a picnic and eat in Ashdown Forest.
Facilities: None but there is a cafe offering snacks and ice cream at the Pooh Bridge car park (TN7 4EX). 

How Long We Spent There: Full day
Buggies: You can take an all terrain buggy to Pooh Bridge.  The ground is uneven around Gills Lap. 

Parking: You can park at Pooh Corner (TN7 4AE), Pooh Bridge car park (TN7 4EX) and Gills Lap car park (TN7 4EN). 
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Cattle, deer, ponies, birds, butterflies, other insects, snakes and mammals.

Information Written: September 2022

Our visit to the many enchanted places of Ashdown Forest in Hartfield, near East Grinstead, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Lepe Country Park

If you need an energy busting day then plan on paddling, sand castles and fossil finding before the tide comes in and then fairy door hunts, adventure play and a nature walk.

Or if you just want somewhere to relax, just sit back and enjoy the view.

Meadows

Alternatively, walk towards the east end of the beach past wild flower meadows on one side and the sea on the other.

This is a buggy friendly route that leads you to the beach, Lepe Point and Stansore Point, where the path becomes much sandier.

Lepe Point Nature Reserve

Lepe Point Nature Reserve, is a protected area of woodland and meadows with a boardwalk, pond and bird hide.

Stansore Point

Stansore Point is a good place to sit and enjoy the view, whether you want to watch huge ships cruise The Solent or gaze across at the Isle of Wight.

D-Day Remnants

There are D-Day remnants near Stansore Point, including pier heads, construction platforms and slip ways.

You can see pictures and find further details on the New Forest Remembers website.

Fossil Finding

At Stansore Point it is also possible to find fossils of shells, plants and mammal bones, including mammoth bones. I understand it is best to look when the tide is out and to bring wellies in case the clay is exposed.

Have a look at the UK Fossil Collecting website for full details.

You can also have a look at the western end of the beach where you can find fossil shells and corals. 

Dinosaur Footprint

Inside the Visitor Centre is a dinosaur footprint, which was found at Lepe. It is on the floor on the right of the desk by the window.

Fairy Door Trails

There are two trails to choose from – one through the Sensory Garden and another across the wild flower meadows and cliffs. 

The doors are marked on a map and are each in a different type of tree with a little explanation about the kind of fairy living inside. 

Lepe Beach

There is a family beach area, which is a very short walk from the car park. 

Further down the beach, low tide reveals a spit of land where we found crabs amongst the rocks, dug holes to catch the sea, built up huge sand castles and found interesting stones, including one of the bone shaped ‘fossils’ mentioned above.

Lepe Country Park Adventure Play Area

The Lepe Country Park Play Area is a wooden adventure play area with equipment that includes:

• a swing
• a toddler swing
• a basket swing
• insect shaped springers
• a seesaw
• play houses
• a double slide with easy to climb stairs
• an obstacle course with logs, stumps, ropes and nets
• a wooden climbing frame
• a snake balance trail
• picnic tables
• seats.

Nearest Town: Exbury, New Forest
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO45 1AD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Try the cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe, picnic area, snacks, ice creams, barbecues, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: There are some pathways that are buggy friendly along the seafront.  The beach itself can be hard to push a buggy along because it is divided by wooden posts, many of which have rotted to near sand level and are splintered in places.

Parking: There are two pay and display car parks – one next to the play area and fairy trails and another next to the beach, Visitor Centre and cafe. These are connected by stairs that lead down to the beach but we drove between the two because we were using a buggy. We parked easily in both but it must be very busy at peak times.
Cost of Parking: For April to September start at £2.50 for one hour and an all day ticket costs £9.50.

Wildlife You Might See: Seaside wildlife, seabirds and other birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: September 2017
Information Checked: May 2023

Our visit to Lepe Country Park in Exbury in the New Forest is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Lepe Country Park Adventure Play Area

The wooden play equipment includes:

• a swing
• a toddler swing
• a basket swing
• insect shaped springers
• a seesaw
• play houses
• a double slide with easy to climb stairs
• an obstacle course with logs, stumps, ropes and nets
• a wooden climbing frame
• a snake balance trail
• picnic tables
• seats.

Lepe Country Park

Lepe Country Park has a huge range of activities on offer. 

If you need an energy busting day then plan on paddling, sand castles and fossil finding before the tide comes in and then fairy door hunts, adventure play and a nature walk.

Or if you just want somewhere to relax, sit back and enjoy the view.

Nearest Town: Exbury, New Forest
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO45 1AD

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Try the cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: Cafe, picnic area, snacks, ice creams, barbecues, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: There are some pathways that are buggy friendly along the seafront.  The beach itself can be hard to push a buggy along because it is divided by wooden posts, many of which have rotted to near sand level and are splintered in places.

Parking: There are two pay and display car parks – one next to the play area and another next to the beach, Visitor Centre and cafe. These are connected by stairs that lead down to the beach but we drove between the two because we were using a buggy. We parked easily in both but it must be very busy at peak times.
Cost of Parking: For April to September start at £2.50 for one hour and an all day ticket costs £9.50.

Wildlife You Might See: Seaside wildlife, seabirds and other birds, butterflies and other insects.

Information Written: September 2017
Information Checked: May 2023

Our visit to Lepe Country Park Play Area, near Langley in the New Forest, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Bracklesham Bay

Bracklesham Bay is a beach a little to the East of the better known West Wittering beach.

Finding Fossils

Fossils can be found all over the beach. The best time to start to look for fossils is from about an hour before low tide when the sea starts to roll back, revealing the sand. 

There are lots of different types of fossils you could discover, including shells, shark teeth and ray teeth.

No Equipment Needed!

You don’t need any special equipment to find these fossils. It is a good idea to bring some towels, containers, and kitchen roll to keep them safe. 

Other Things to Look For

As well as fossils, you can find bits of driftwood, seaweed, shells, crabs, and hermit crabs.

The Beach

We always round our trips off with a visit to The Beach, a relaxed, child-friendly beach restaurant and cafe. 

Watch the Sunset

Billy’s has recently been named as one of the top 25 places in the world to watch the sunset – listed with places like Florida, Bora Bora, and Mexico!

Access to the Beach

The car park is next to the beach so access is generally easy but it can be difficult with a buggy because you have to climb down a steep, stoney slope. 

Access is easier from the slipway next to Billy’s.

The Tides

Be sure to check the tide times before you visit. The beach is a sandy expanse (with shingle) when the tide is out

but the sand disappears quickly as the tide comes in. 

Nearest Town: Bracklesham Bay, near Chichester
County: West Sussex
Nearest Postcode: PO20 8JH

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or eat at Billy’s on the Beach. 
Facilities: Picnic tables, cafe, snacks, ice creams, toilets, accessible toilets. 

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Buggy friendly

Parking: There is a pay and display car park. It can be very busy on warm days.
Cost of Parking: Various

Wildlife You Might See: Sea creatures and seabirds.

Information Written: January 2017
Information Checked: February 2023

Our visit to Bracklesham Bay beach near Chichester is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Hurst Spit

Hurst Spit separates the sea and the Lymington River Estuary.  

To one side it has mudflats and salt marshes.  

To the other it has the sea and views to the Isle of Wight and the Needles. 

Swimming or using inflatables in the sea here is not recommended as the currents are very strong.

Walking to Hurst Castle

The walk to the castle is about two miles and is part of the Solent Way. It is not the easiest of walks.  Sturdy footwear is recommended and it is hard going with a buggy.

You can pick up the path to Hurst Spit and Hurst Castle from Keyhaven Car Park – just head for the Hurst Castle Ferry and then keep walking.  

Sailing to Hurst Castle

If you would like to visit Hurst Castle but don’t fancy the walk or have little ones with you, then consider the Hurst Castle ferry.  

It is a beautiful 20 minute ferry ride through salt marshes, mud flats and moored boats. 

Hurst Castle

Hurst Castle is an artillery fort that was built in the 16th century by Henry VIII to protect the Solent, Southampton and Portsmouth. 

It is one of the best preserved of Henry VIII’s castles and had an active military role until the mid-20th century.

Nearest Town: Lymington, New Forest
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: SO41 0TP takes you to Keyhaven Car Park and if you keep driving, Hurst Spit. 

Opens: Daily

Adult Cost Range: Hurst Spit is free but there are various costs for castle entry – please see the websites for details.
Child Cost Range: Hurst Spit is free but there are various costs for castle entry – please see the websites for details.
Free if: Hurst Spit is free. Children under 5 years enter the castle for free.

Where to Eat: Eat at the Hurst Castle cafe or bring a picnic.
Facilities: There are toilets and accessible toilets inside Hurt Castle. There are no toilets available for people not visiting the castle. There is a cafe outside the castle that is available to all visitors.

How Long We Spent There: 4 hours
Buggies: Not buggy friendly. 

Parking: Pay and display car park at Keyhaven. 
Cost of Parking: From £3 for two hours.

Wildlife You Might See: Fish, crabs, seabirds and sea creatures.

Information Written: January 2023

Our visit to Hurst Spit and Hurst Castle near Milford on Sea in the New Forest, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Watership Down – The Novel

Hazel’s band of rabbits hop seven miles from their warren at Sandleford to the top of Watership Down.

Along the way they push their way through Newtown Common, cross footbridges, float along the River Test and discover Nuthanger Farm.

Watership Down – The Hill

“O Frith on the hills!” says Dandelion as the rabbits marvel at the new home Fiver has found them on Watership Down. Standing at the top of Watership Down it is easy to see why. The views are some of the best I’ve seen. 

Standing at the bottom of Watership Down is like looking up at a wall of grass.

An ideal spot for the hillfort built here during the Iron Age. 

Gallops

The top of Watership Down is separated from the hillside by Gallops, which are tracks and fences used to train racehorses. 

The fences are enormous!

There is a footpath across the Gallops but be careful to check for charging horses before you cross.

The gate onto the footpath is about a ten to fifteen minute walk from the parking area near Ashley Warren Down (see below). 

The Warren under the Beech Tree

In the book, the warren the rabbits find on top of Watership Down is hidden amongst the roots of an old beech tree.

This tree stood at the top of Watership Down but sadly was destroyed by a storm in 2004.  This spot is now marked by a young beech tree and a plaque in recognition of Richard Adams.

When I visited, the rabbits Fiver, Bigwig and Hazel had also been unofficially remembered…

Wayfarer’s Way

A long-distance route called the Wayfarer’s Way runs along the top of Watership Down, connecting Ladle Hill (to the west) with Whitehill (to the east).
This can be used by walkers and cyclists. 

A Fossil Find

On my walk up the hill I randomly discovered a mussel shell fossil just sitting on the path.

Finding Watership Down

To walk to Watership Down from the lay-by near Ashley Warren Down (RG28 7QH) take the path across the road from the lay-by.

This will lead you up a small hill, through a gate and on towards the Gallops and the Richard Adams memorial plaque.

The Paths

The paths are not surfaced. They can be grassy, stony, narrow and steep.

The path along the top of the hill is pretty flat. It is only the footpath up and down the hill that is steep. 

Note that this is not a circular route. The path down the hill is also the path you come back on. 

Nearest Town: Kingsclere, near Basingstoke
County: Hampshire
Nearest Postcode: RG28 7QH (or RG25 3EJ)

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic and a blanket.
Facilities: None

How Long We Spent There: 3 hours
Buggies: I wouldn’t bring one as there are steep hills and narrow paths. 

Parking: There are a couple of options – there is a lay-by to the west of Watership Down near Ashley Warren Down (RG28 7QH) and there is a car park to the east at Whitehill (RG25 3EJ). 
Cost of Parking: Free.

Wildlife You Might See: Rabbits and hares, butterflies and other insects, red kites and other birds.

Information Written: June 2022

Our visit to Watership Down near Kingsclere, near Basingstoke, is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.
 

At the Top

The views from the top of Crooksbury Hill are spectacular. On a clear day you can see across the Surrey Hills, including Butser Hill, Gibbet Hill and Selbourne Common. 

The Woods

The woods on the top of the hill are shady and peaceful, with huge logs to climb on and den building opportunities. 

Soldier’s Ring Hill Fort

Soldier’s Ring is a small hill fort that may date from the Bronze or Iron Age. It is now a large, flat area of woodland surrounded by walls made from earth. 

To find Soldier’s Ring from the view point on the top of Crooksbury Hill, follow the path behind the trig point. This leads you down the other side of the hill and into the woods.

The entrance to Soldier’s Ring is about halfway down this path and is marked by this gate.

From here you can see the walls surrounding the hill fort.

The Paths

There are three paths that lead up Crooksbury Hill, none of these are gentle or buggy friendly.  

I found the path on the left of the Botany Hill car park to be the least strenuous. 

Walking up the hill along any of these paths takes 5 to 10 minutes but factor in a little extra time for little ones. 

The Path From Crooksbury Hill Car Park

This path goes straight up the hill.  It starts by the information board in the picnic area, is very steep and has steps of various heights all the way up.  

The Paths From Botany Hill Car Park

There are two paths from this little car park that both lead through the woods to the view point.  Neither of these have stairs but they are both steep and uneven in places.  

The path on the right of the car park takes you along the base of Soldier’s Ring and then up to the Crooksbury Hill view point.  

The path on the left takes you up through Soldier’s Ring and then to the top of Crooksbury Hill. 

Nearest Town: Farnham
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU10 1RF

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic. 
Facilities: Picnic area at Crooskbury Hill car park. 

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours
Buggies: All paths up Crooksbury Hill are steep so I wouldn’t recommend a buggy. 

Parking: Crooksbury Hill car park is on Crooksbury Road (GU10 1RF) and a much smaller, unmarked car park on Botany Hill (GU10 1LY).
Cost of Parking: Free

Wildlife You Might See: Slow worms, lizards, birds, butterflies, wood ants and other insects.

Information Written: August 2016
Information Checked: May 2022

Our visit to Crooksbury Hill and Soldier’s Ring in Farnham is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

Which Route Will You Take?

When you finally manage to tear yourself away, you need to decide which direction to walk in. 

We decided to explore the rim but, if you are feeling adventurous (and don’t have a buggy with you), you can brave the path down into the punch bowl. 

Around The Rim

A walk along the rim has something for everyone to discover along the way – harrowing history for the adults, bug hunting and den building for the children and the chance to wonder at the way nature is reclaiming the old A3.  

The Unknown Sailor  

We started by taking the path up to Gibbet Hill, which is the second highest point in Surrey, and boasts stunning views across the Weald and towards London.

On this walk you come across the Sailor’s Stone, which remembers the  Unknown Sailor, an unnamed man who was murdered here in 1786 by three men he befriended whilst walking to Portsmouth.

Up Gibbet Hill

The path then leads on to Gibbet Hill, where a granite cross marks the spot that the three muderers were hung in chains. It’s a gruesome story that you can either choose to read about on the information boards or ignore.

The walk to Gibbet Hill is not particularly taxing and the views from the top are wonderful.

Along the Old A3

We then walked down to the rim of the Devil’s Punch Bowl and followed the old route of the A3. Until the Hindhead Tunnel opened in 2011, this was the main road between London and Portsmouth. It had three lanes and ran around the Devil’s Punch Bowl.

Looking at it now, it is hard to believe this was ever anything but a beauty spot. It’s nothing short of spectacular.

Down Into the Punch Bowl

There are also paths down into the Punch Bowl. They are steep and uneven in places but take you through some beautiful woodland. 

Go Wild

There are plenty of places around the Devil’s Punch Bowl to stop for a picnic, hunt for mini-beasts, make dens or just stop and admire the views.

Nearest Town: Hindhead
County: Surrey
Nearest Postcode: GU26 6AB

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free 

Where to Eat: Cafe and picnic areas.
Facilities: Shop, ice creams, toilets and accessible toilets but note that the toilets are only open when the cafe is.

How Long We Spent There: 2 hours 
Buggies: The main paths around the rim of the punchbowl are generally buggy friendly. The paths down into the Punch Bowl are not – they are steep and uneven in places.

Parking: There is a large pay and display car park. It can become very busy during the weekends and holidays.
Cost of Parking: £4 or free with National Trust membership.

Wildlife You Might See: Cattle, ponies, butterflies, insects and birds.

Information Written: June 2017
Information Checked: October 2021

Our visit to The Devil’s Punchbowl in Hindhead is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.