Brakey Wood

Brakey Wood sits just outside Eye in Suffolk, a proper slice of ancient woodland that most visitors miss entirely. Walk in and you're surrounded by oak, ash and hazel - the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which is increasingly rare these days.

It's a nature reserve managed for wildlife, so don't expect manicured paths or visitor facilities. What you get instead is genuine woodland, the kind that's been here for centuries. The walking is straightforward enough - nothing too demanding - though it can get muddy after rain. Birdwatchers will find plenty to keep them occupied. Spring and summer are when it really comes alive, though autumn has its own quiet appeal.

For families, it works well if your kids actually enjoy being in woods rather than ticking off attractions. Older children who can manage uneven ground will have a better time than little ones needing constant entertainment. Give yourself an hour minimum, though you could easily spend two hours poking about if you're not rushing.

If you're staying at Hill Farm Suffolk nearby - a cracking spot for a park holiday - Brakey Wood makes a natural morning walk before heading elsewhere. It's free to access, and there's something refreshing about a nature reserve that hasn't been turned into a visitor experience with a café and gift shop. Proper woodland, that's all. No pretence.