Bartholomew's Wood

The woodland around Hythe rewards a proper wander, and Bartholomew's Wood is exactly the sort of place that justifies pulling on your boots and leaving the car behind. Ancient trees arch overhead, creating the kind of green tunnel that makes you forget the Romney Marsh flatness lies just beyond the treeline. It's a genuine escape rather than a manicured nature trail - the kind of wood where you'll find yourself taking wrong turns and not minding one bit.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a quick half-hour tick-box job; you can easily spend two hours picking through the pathways and discovering old coppice work in the deeper sections. Children who enjoy exploring rather than being herded around will thrive here. Those after a scenic heritage stroll might find it a touch too wild and unkempt by comparison with some Kent attractions.

There's no gate fee that I'm aware of, and it costs nothing to park nearby and get stuck in. Early morning or late afternoon in autumn absolutely sings - the light through the canopy is worth the muddy shoes. Summer can get overgrown and quite close underfoot, so come prepared.

If you're based at New Beach Holiday Park or Fallow Fields near Dymchurch, this sits within easy reach for a proper half-day expedition. It works brilliantly as a break from the caravan routine without needing to travel far. Proper Kent woodland, nothing fancy, and all the better for it.