Cucknell's Wood

Tucked into the Surrey countryside near Guildford, Cucknell's Wood is the sort of place locals know about and visitors stumble upon by accident - which is precisely when it's best enjoyed. It's a proper woodland walk rather than a formal attraction with visitor centres or marked routes, so come expecting trees, a bit of peace, and the occasional muddy patch depending on the season.

The wood itself is unremarkable in the way that English woodlands often are - no dramatic cliffs or rare specimens - but that's rather the point. It's good for a two-hour ramble if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots like Glamping Holiday or The Green Escape, both within six miles. Families with young walkers will find it manageable, though there's nothing to keep them entertained once the novelty of jumping in puddles wears off. If you're after a quick woodland leg-stretch between park visits, it does the job. On a quiet weekday in autumn when the light filters through properly, it's genuinely pleasant.

Bring decent boots - the ground can be boggy - and don't expect signposting or facilities. It's free to access, naturally, since there's nothing official about it. The real value here is as a filler activity on a Surrey park holiday, particularly if you're based at Care Ashore Campsite on the Springbok Estate or one of the other local glamping operations. It breaks up the day without requiring much planning. Worth the detour if you're in the area; not worth driving specially for.