Bask in glorious nature at Havant Thicket

Tucked away within the Forest of Bere and the gorgeous Hampshire countryside, Havant Thicket will leave you feeling inspired as you wander the scenic trails.

After you park the car, you’ll instantly want to get started with the trek among picture-perfect surroundings.

Take in the earthy scents, comfy walking boots, and backpack with a tasty homemade picnic in tow, and discover all the nooks and crannies that make Havant Thicket a fabulous retreat to spend the day.

But what track will you decide to take on?

One trail leads to the nearby Staunton Country Park, a delightful haven that oozes tranquil and calm.

See if you can spot the different wildlife roaming the site, and the kids will love making friends with the animals on the farm, from pigs to Shetland ponies and adorable alpacas!

From the car park, you’ll see there are other tracks to venture around. Want to bring your dog for the journey? They’ll adore running around the trails, finding new sticks to play with, and chasing after their favourite ball.

It’s a wonderful chance to make friends with other dog owners enjoying the woodland landscapes, too.

Your new horse riding route awaits

Perhaps you’re a keen horse rider always looking for new scenery to explore? You’ll love taking in the fresh forest breeze from a high, and the towering trees waving above your gaze will keep you both mesmerised until the end.

There are no marked routes either, so feel free to go in any direction that takes your fancy. See if you can get a permit from the Toll Rides Off-road Trust (TROT) to begin the adventure, one that you’ll want to repeat.

Relax with a delicious picnic

Now’s the time to take a break and tuck into the sandwiches you’ve thought about since beginning your woodland walk. Layout the picnic blanket and unpack the treats, throwing the ball for the dog in between bites.

You’ll immediately start to recap on the treasures you’ve seen, and think about when you can next visit Havant Thicket.

But before you head back to the car, spend a few moments sitting still, listening to the sweet sounds of birdsong in the distance, practicing the technique of mindfulness to send you on your way.