Corbally Wood

The woodland around Corbally offers a proper escape from the beaten track - think mature trees, decent walking paths, and enough greenery to make you forget you're only minutes from Downpatrick. It's the sort of place where you can wander for an hour or three without bumping into crowds, which is exactly what makes it work.

You'll find yourself on well-trodden trails that wind through mixed woodland. The paths are manageable for families with decent walkers, though it's not a pushchair-friendly affair if you venture beyond the main routes. The real appeal here is space - room to breathe, let the kids run about, spot a bit of wildlife if you're lucky. Dog walkers clearly know about it already.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so come prepared. Bring water, check the weather - it can get muddy - and give yourself at least 90 minutes to make it worthwhile. Free access, naturally.

Stay at Delamont Country Park just down the road and you've got yourself sorted for a proper countryside break. The caravan park sits practically on your doorstep, so you can pop into the woods for a morning walk before breakfast becomes the priority. If you want something slightly larger with more facilities, Buckshill's only two miles away. For walkers especially, this wood pairs nicely with the broader Mourne region - it's an easy warm-up before tackling bigger trails in the hills proper.