Close Wood

Close Wood sits just outside Stockton-on-Tees, a proper woodland walk that doesn't pretend to be anything grander than it is. Ancient broadleaves tower over you here - oak, beech, ash - creating that hushed cathedral feeling you get in old forests. The paths are well-maintained and fairly flat, which means you can actually cover decent ground without knackering yourself out.

It's the sort of place where walkers will genuinely enjoy themselves rather than just tick a box. If you're camping at Donnewell Farm just down the road, this is ideal for a morning ramble before the weather turns. You can do a quick loop in 45 minutes or dawdle for two hours if you stop to watch the wildlife. Autumn is when it really shines - the canopy turns gold and orange, and the floor squelches nicely underfoot.

Don't come expecting a visitor centre or café facilities. There aren't any, which is part of the appeal. It's free to walk here, and you can pop in whenever suits you. Families with younger kids might find it a bit samey after a while - there's no dramatic views or streams to splash about in - but if you've got walkers in the group or anyone who just wants a proper bit of woodland air without the crowds, Close Wood delivers exactly that.