The New Forest National Park - Knoll Gardens, Brownsea Island and the Red House Museum and Gardens

Knoll Gardens is an award-winning, 4 acre, show garden and nursery located at Hampreston, Wimbourne on Stapehill Road. From the A31 take the B3073 towards Longham and turn left onto Stapehill Road. Knoll Gardens is one of the country's leading ornamental grass specialists, although many other plants are grown here. These beautiful gardens are open May till November, from Tuesday to Sunday between 10am and 5pm (or dusk if earlier). Also open February, March, April and December, from Wednesday to Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

The Red House Museum and Gardens located on Quay Road in Christchurch, Dorset, is a Georgian building with a well-tended garden and woodland walk. This great, Admission-free attraction was built as a workhouse in 1764 and is now home to a great collection of local objects. Light refreshments, toilet facilities and a gift shop are all available on-site. Public car parks are a short walk away from the museum. Open Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm, Sunday between 2pm and 5pm. Also open on Bank Holidays between 10am and 5pm.

The National Trust owned Brownsea Island is located in Poole harbour and is only accessible by boat from either Poole Quay, Sandbanks Jetty, Bournemouth Pier or Swanage Pier. This small but beautiful, unspoilt Island offers spectacular views of Studland, the Purbeck hills, Poole harbour and Old Harry Rocks. Lord Baden-Powell chose this location for the first Scout camp in 1907 and it's now known, worldwide, as the birthplace of Scouting and Guiding. The woodland, heathland and wetland areas of the island offer great natural habitats to the islands wildlife, including the rare Red Squirrel (peacocks can also be seen wandering freely throughout the island). Brownsea Island has a National Trust shop, a cafe, toilet facilities, trails and walks, a Nature Reserve and much more. A great day out for the whole family.