Childs Forstal

The woodland at Childs Forstal sits quietly between Canterbury and the Kent coast, and it's exactly the sort of place you'd miss if you weren't deliberately looking for it. Ancient trees, decent walking paths, and proper stillness - the kind where you actually hear birds instead of your own breathing. It's a working forest, so you'll spot timber operations alongside the walking trails, which somehow makes it feel more real than the manicured woodland you find elsewhere.

Walkers will get the most from this spot. The paths are straightforward enough for families, but there's nothing twee about it - no visitor centre, no gift shop, just trees and earth. You're looking at an hour or two depending on which route you take, and it's ideal if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks and want an afternoon away from the caravan.

Seaview Holiday Park sits just 2.9 miles away, though the 3.2-star rating suggests it's a bit tired round the edges. Nethergong Camping, rated 5.0, is marginally further at 3.1 miles and would be the smarter choice if you're planning to make Childs Forstal a regular stop during your stay. Either way, you're well-positioned to slip into the forest without faffing about in the car.

It's free, naturally, and open whenever you fancy. Best visited early morning or late afternoon when you'll have it practically to yourself. Canterbury's close enough for a market day, but Childs Forstal works better as a palette cleanser than a main event.