Barnett's Wood

The woodland around Tunbridge Wells keeps its secrets well, and Barnett's Wood is one worth seeking out if you're staying in the area. It's a proper stretch of forest - the kind where you can actually lose the sound of traffic within fifty paces - with decent walking routes threading through beech and oak. The canopy does the job in summer, and come autumn the floor turns copper and gold without the crowds you'd fight through at somewhere more famous.

Walkers will get the most from it. There's enough here for a solid couple of hours if you're not in a rush, though it's equally fine for a quick forty-minute loop if you're just after fresh air between other activities. Bring proper boots if there's been rain - the ground can be boggy in places. Kids aged six and up will enjoy it without getting fractious, though there's nothing flashy to hold attention, so younger ones might need coaxing.

The main draw is straightforwardness. No visitor centre, no café, no facilities to speak of - just woodland doing what woodland does. Free to walk, open when daylight allows. If you're glamping at Luna Domes nearby and want to stretch your legs without driving anywhere, Barnett's Wood fits the bill nicely. It's the sort of place locals use regularly and visitors pass by, which rather sums up its appeal. Decent value for time spent, even if it won't be the highlight of your trip.