Clowes Wood

East of Whitstable, Clowes Wood is a proper bit of Kentish woodland that doesn't shout about itself - which is exactly why it's worth finding. Ancient trees, a good network of paths threading through, and the kind of peace you actually struggle to find near the coast these days. It's the sort of place where you can hear yourself think, which sounds daft until you've spent a week at the seaside surrounded by screaming kids and ice cream vans.

Walkers will get the most from it. The woodland itself is manageable - nowhere near as sprawling as some of the bigger reserves, but substantial enough that you won't feel you've done the whole thing in twenty minutes. History enthusiasts might appreciate that it's one of the remnants of the ancient forests that once covered much of this corner of Kent, though there's not a lot of interpretation on the ground. Families with younger children will find it pleasant rather than spectacular - it's not going to compete with a proper woodland adventure park, but for a quiet morning walk before heading into Whitstable town centre, it's solid.

There's no charge to wander in, which is always welcome. Allow an hour to two hours depending on how thoroughly you want to explore the paths. Spring and autumn are your best bets - summer can feel a bit dense and damp, and winter can be muddy without being particularly atmospheric.

If you're based at one of the nearby glamping spots like Brook Farm or Seaview Holiday Park, Clowes Wood makes an easy morning outing before a seafood lunch back in Whitstable. Don't expect it to be a headline attraction, but as a break from the beach and the tourist trail, it absolutely works.