Situated just passed Ringwood along the A31 (head as if you were going to Southampton) follow the signs to Burley (another fantastic New Forest village). The picket post car park is situated about a quarter of a mile down the road and has stunning views over the Ringwood side of the new forest heath-land.

It’s clearly very popular with dog walkers and those who are just enjoying the scenery. There are ample walking routes throughout this area and you can usually see plenty of new forest ponies so it would be advisable to keep any dogs you may have on their lead.

Some of the walking paths can get a little damp to say the least if it has rained recently so it’s advisable to wear appropriate footwear if your thinking of going off path (wellies)

The paths are pretty well maintained here and can sustain off road cycling, hiking etc so this is certainly not a place for walkers only.

However what’s really here is a feast for the eyes – there are some truly magnificent views from Picket Post – from early morning sun rises through to the stunning sunsets and on a clear night being able to see the stars away from the glare of the street lights.

There are no facilities of note at the pickets post car park however there are numerous villages close by and a well stocked petrol station at the turn off (sandwiches – hot coffee) and little chef. If your looking for a village for lunch – try the little market town of Ringwood or Burley village.

Heading south from Corfe, Tyneham, is unearthed nestled between the coast and rural farmland– a combination of great beach, walk and heritage. Now managed by the Ministry of Defence and used for target practice for the nearby tank range (Fear not about the tanks as the village and walks are open to the public during the summer (check Dorsetforyou for opening times).

Take advantage of the MOD’s generosity and head to Warbarrow Bay stopping first to explore Tyneham village. Now abandoned following a compulsory purchase order in the late 1940’s the village remains as an empty shell, a memory of time gone by and now used for army training ever since. Several buildings still stand and although many now stand in disrepair it’s a spooky experience to wander round an empty village – the first thing that hits you is just how quiet the place is apart from the chirp of the birds overhead – the village is well worth a look.

Down from the village follow the footpath for around ¾ mile and you’ll be greated by Worbarrow bay. Benefiting from it’s position this is the place to come to avoid the summer crowds, with beautiful clear water a secluded beach and unobscured views of the Purbeck coast.

Bear in mind, Worbarrow isn’t the place to come if your looking for conveniences a plenty so your best advised to bring a picnic to enjoy on the beach don’t come here expecting gift shops and cafes – that would be missing the point of the place.

Worbarrow bay is one of those rare finds, rejecting the formulae of the typical tourist beach, demanding your respect with its quirky access and breathtaking vista – a real hidden gem not to miss.

Close to Southampton of Junction 8 of the M27, the drive into Manor Farm is a treat, through a wooded track, past the picnic spots and on to the Farm – great for bikers and at a little over a mile and a half’s walkers may be tempted to leave the car further up the track and enjoy the trek on foot.

Once at the farm, through the main entrance and straight away your met by marauding chickens and runner ducks which have free range during the day. There are various animal enclosures covering the usual culprits from Jersey Cows, Pigs, Goats, Cattle and horses. The Farm is immaculately laid out with easy access to the animals. Whether that’s through direct access into the barns or in their pens.

Manor Farms theme is that of a Victorian, turn of the century farm – and one of the delights is the authentically laid out Farmhouse (of which parts can be dated back 600 years) – There is also a carefully laid out school house (intact with desks and chalkboards) for a glimpse into what school life was like 100 years ago. The house itself is beautifully restored and surrounded by the kitchen gardens and wildflowers the house is worthy of the admission price alone.

There are various themed events throughout the year from talks on Bats, “Bug Hunts” or guided farm talks. And there are various talks and displays running throughout the day whether that’s to take part in the milking of the cows or to hold the newly hatched chicks or rabbits – great for the little ones get to participate rather than just watch.

For those that like walking the Park itself can be explored (there are various picnic areas and open spaces) – the walk around the farm – and past the blacksmith’s lodge and down to St Bartholomews Church (a 13th century parish church) is nice and scenic – there is a small café when ready for refreshments.

Manor Farm is a great example of how “kids” farms should be done – loads to look at and lots to get involved in – educational and entertaining at the same time – one of the best the area has to offer.

At the center of the village is the well known pub the Square and Compass (which has been in the same family for over 100 years) – with it’s own stone carving museum. With the combination of real ales and stunning views across the village and on to the sea – there’s not many a spot in Dorset that can quite equal this on a summers evening.

These days Hampshire’s centerpiece in its Austen Legacy is her old House at Chawton. From 1809 Austen, along with her Mother, and sisters lived in the house, near the village of Alton, and today it is lovingly maintained as a fine reminder of both the time and of Jane’s literary talents.

Austen lived in the house from 1809 through to 1817 and of the various rooms that are open to the public – one cannot help but be swept up in the history. The House Museum features a variety of Memorabilia and material from Austen family members including letters written by Jane to her family, period costumes and period furniture.

The house is surrounded by some pretty gardens and the village is pretty enough to warrant an amble around on a good summers day – Due to Austen’s literary notoriety the house and museum welcome school visits so do check the website if your looking to avoid those dates!

To enhance the visitors experience the house runs a number of themed events throughout the year from period costume displays to garden talks there is also a small shop featuring a number of Austen collectables.

With over 30 displays covering various habitats from around the world including the fabulous walk through coral reef display there’s tons to look at.

Unlike many static aquariums – Bluereef offers a daily itinerary covering talks about the aquarium inhabitants, various exhibitions and opportunity to watch live feeding demonstrations.

The center participates in captive breeding programs and theres the oppoutunity to get a glimpse of the baby seahorses and other tropical species.

Perhaps uniquely for a aquarium it features a freshwater display featuring otters (Asian short clawed otters to be precise)

Overall there’s plenty to look at with Bluereef, adults can be rest assured that kids will enjoy the displays and the animals themselves but as important learn at the same time

Click Bluereef aquarium – Portsmouth

Situated in Ashurst just up the road from Southampton in Hampshire, the Farm has all the facilitates you need (great café, gift shop etc, plenty to keep the kids occupied). This small working farm is aimed squarely at the younger generation and has stacks to keep them entertained throughout the day from animals to a great (but bumpy) tractor ride.

However the main event has to be the animals and the folks at Longdown have a busy itinerary each and every day covering all the animals and feeding times. It’s a great experience when the goats come flooding out looking for their bottle of milk (keep hold of the very small children as they can get a bit overwhelmed at the site of stampeding goat kids!), the usual ducks pigs cows and calves are all on display. While best enjoyed on a sunny day – for rainy days the site has an indoor play area with ball pool and things for little tikes to climb on and play in but it’s best enjoyed in warmer weather.

For the adults (and new for 2008) is the great farm shop with stacks of local produce to take home and overall we think its a great day out.

For more information check them out online Longdown Farm

First off is the excellent range of books by Mike Power. Mike has written a number of excellent books on Dorset pub walks Mike Power’s Pub Walks Along Fine Dorset Coast, Forty More Pub Walks in Dorset and Pub Walks in Dorset and is considered to be the “main man” in this field.

If your still hankering for more after digesting Mike Power’s excellent books – try myfavouritepubwalks.co.uk and in particular the walk covering The Sailors Return in East Chaldon click http://www.myfavouritepubwalks.co.uk, The Sailors Return is a great pub dating back to the 18th century, close to Durdle door with walks offering great views of country and coast.

Finally, Hall and woodhouse’s excellent site (http://www.hall-woodhouse.co.uk/) delves into eight of rural pub walks in and around purbeck including the Silent Woman in Wareham – and the Angel inn at Ferndown. – be sure to check the site for the other walks listed.

Wareham is easy to get to – head west from Poole down the A35 and take the A351 (be wary that in the peak of summer the roads (in particular the A351 into Wareham itself can get a bit congested).

Founded by the Saxons, the town is steeped in history and for those looking to delve into Dorsets past there are plenty of treats to be found. An ancient Saxon burial place, and former Royal borough, there are many remnants of the towns past with some historic churches and the saxon town wall for example (Wareham is one of only two towns in the UK). For those of a military mindset the towns links to T E Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) who is buried nearby and has an effigy at St Martins church and nearby Bovington Army camp (and tank museum) should attract.

For those looking for views and to soak up the Dorset countryside, the river Frome cuts through the town and provides many activities such as sailing, kayaking, for those less inclined – simply sit and enjoy the views at one of the many picnic spots or pub beer gardens within close reach or enjoy the market that runs twice a week (Thursday and Saturdays) or the monthly farmers market. For those that enjoy walking the banks of the river Frome offer much to enjoy.

For more information on Wareham visit Wareham town council site

Brownsea, now owned by the National Trust, is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of the scouting movement being used by Baden-Powell as the first location for his scout camp for boys in 1907. Over 100 years later the island still holds these ties firm and you can often see scout teams visiting the island.

However for many the real reason for visiting the Island is for its wildlife. The island is one of the UK’s leading habitats for red squirrels and features many other varieties of wildlife and is a well known bird spotters paradise offering up a fine variety of sea birds and waders. The northern part of the island, which has limited access to the public, is managed by the Dorset Wildlife trust. Here, Herons, Turns and little Egrets can all be seen and over by the lagoon summer migrants such as the Sandwich and common tern are common.

The island is accessible by boat and several ferry’s run from Poole harbor, Bournemouth and Swanage pier, servicing the island. However be sure to check the times of the last ferry so as not to get stranded!