The New Forest is a short drive east of Poole: 220 square miles of ancient woodland, open heath and grazing commons, with animals that have right of way.
The animals
Ponies, cattle and donkeys roam freely and are owned by commoners. Do not feed them, do not touch them, and drive slowly: collisions kill a number of them every year.
Walking and cycling
A very large network of tracks, mostly flat and easy, with cycle hire in the main villages. It is good for the kind of day with no particular plan.
Where to aim for
Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst as bases, Beaulieu for the motor museum and abbey, Burley and the smaller villages for a quieter version.
Getting there
Forty minutes to an hour by road from Poole. Rail from Poole towards Brockenhurst is a workable car-free option. See days out without the car.