The South Downs

Right on Winchester's doorstep lies England’s newest national park stretching for 100 miles from the edge of the city to the dramatic chalk cliffs at Beachy Head, taking in ancient woodland and open heaths along the way. You can walk its entire length on the South Downs Way, stopping over at the pretty towns of Petersfield, Arundel (home to an impressive castle and immense Gothic cathedral) and Lewes en route. Or you can take a bike and enjoy a day trip following one of the many circular cycling routes. Its an incredible natural landscape, particularly considering how close it is to London and for a family day in the great outdoors its a good place to have on the list.