Catherine Grove

A proper woodland walk rather than a manicured attraction, Catherine Grove sits just outside Dunmow and gives you that feeling of stumbling into someone's private forest - though it's open to the public. The paths wind through mature trees with enough undergrowth to make it feel genuinely wild, and in autumn the light filters through the canopy in that particular way that makes you forget you're only twenty minutes from a main road.

It's brilliant for families who want their kids to burn some energy without the theme-park crowds, though don't expect facilities or signage - you'll need proper shoes and a bit of map sense. Dog walkers clearly love it here, and you'll spot plenty on weekends. The walk takes between thirty minutes and an hour depending on how many side paths you explore, so it's more of a morning's outing than a day trip.

The real charm is that it feels untouched. No gift shops, no cafes, just trees and quiet. Worth the detour if you're basing yourself at one of the local glamping spots like Dairymeade Farm or Hidden Gem Glamping - both within easy reach - and you want to escape the manicured park boundaries. Go on a weekday morning to have it largely to yourself. Winter's decent here too, when the bare branches open up the views a bit more.