Frithy and Chadacre Woods

Two proper woodland reserves just east of Bury Saint Edmunds that feel genuinely away from it all, despite being minutes from town. Frithy and Chadacre Woods offer the kind of walking you come to Suffolk for - gentle woodland trails through mixed woodland, open glades, and the sort of quiet that actually feels restorative rather than boring.

The reserve is free to access and there's no formal entrance fee, which means you can turn up whenever suits you. Allow a couple of hours for a decent walk if you're the sort who likes to potter and watch for wildlife. Birdwatchers come here regularly, and in spring the bluebells are worth timing a visit for. The paths are well-maintained but can get muddy after rain - standard woodland stuff.

It's the kind of place that works better for adults and older children than toddlers. Pushchair terrain it isn't, and there's nothing to "do" in the structured sense. If your family wants waymarked trails and picnic facilities, you'll want to look elsewhere. But if you're after genuine woodland without the crowds you get at bigger nature reserves, this delivers.

Placed perfectly for a base at any of the nearby glamping spots - The Four Bells is closest at just over 3 miles, and both it and Apple Mount Retreat have excellent reviews. Walking here in the morning, then returning to somewhere more comfortable than a tent, rather appeals. The woods work as a proper day out rather than a destination in themselves.