Friday's Spinney

A small woodland just outside Buckingham that punches above its weight if you're after a proper forest walk without the crowds. Friday's Spinney is the sort of place locals know and tourists miss, which is exactly why it's worth a visit.

The woodland itself isn't vast - you're looking at maybe an hour or so to work your way through the paths - but it's dense enough to feel like you've actually gone somewhere. Ancient oaks and beech trees give decent shelter even when the weather turns, and in spring the woodland floor comes alive with bluebells. The paths are reasonably well-maintained, though muddy patches are inevitable after rain.

This works best for walkers and families with sturdy kids rather than pram-pushers. There's something satisfying about exploring on foot here rather than rushing through. Bring proper boots unless you fancy squelchy shoes.

Being just a mile or so from Dadford Road Campsite and Silverstone Woodlands, it slots perfectly into a camping holiday in the area. Combined with the Silverstone circuit nearby, it offers decent balance - a morning ramble through the trees, then off to watch the cars in the afternoon if that's your thing.

No facilities on site as far as I can tell, so come prepared. Best visited autumn through spring when you won't overheat on the narrower sections. Very much worth the detour if you're already in Buckinghamshire, though probably not worth a special trip on its own.