Beaudesert

Beaudesert is a proper Norfolk woodland - the sort of place you wander into expecting little and come out having spent an afternoon you didn't anticipate. It's east of Holt, accessible enough for a morning detour, with quiet paths that wind through mixed forest without the crowds you'd find at more publicised spots.

There's nothing flashy about it. You get trees - decent-sized ones - and the kind of stillness that makes you remember why people bother with forests at all. Dog walkers clearly know about it. Families with younger kids will find the woodland floor easy enough underfoot, though there are no facilities to speak of, so come prepared. Older children might get restless unless they're the type who enjoy proper exploring rather than designated attractions.

The main appeal is simply the walk itself. It's the sort of place you go to clear your head rather than tick off a checklist. No entrance fees as far as anyone can tell, no set hours - just a wood you can wander through.

If you're staying at Kelling Heath Holiday Park nearby, it's well worth the short drive. You could combine it with a visit to Holt itself, which has proper shops and pubs, or use it as a quiet break between more structured activities. On a grey Norfolk day it's actually rather atmospheric. On a sunny one, less compelling - you might prefer the coast.