Gamlingay Wood NR

The woodland floor here is carpeted in the kind of thick moss that makes you want to walk barefoot, even though you absolutely shouldn't. Gamlingay Wood is a proper working forest in Cambridgeshire, just east of Sandy, where Forestry England manages the trees and the public gets to wander through without much fuss.

What strikes you most is how quiet it is. No visitor centre, no facilities, no crowds - just paths threading through mixed woodland where you'll spot birch, pine and broadleaf trees depending on which section you're in. The rides are well-maintained and it's easy enough for families with younger kids, though there's nothing specifically designed for them. Walkers and nature enthusiasts will get far more from it than casual day-trippers.

Allow an hour to ninety minutes for a decent loop. It's free to access, which is worth knowing. The best time is spring when the bluebells come through, though autumn colours work too if you don't mind the damp. Winter can be quite muddy underfoot.

The location works well alongside nearby Cambridgeshire Lakes - that's where you'd base yourself if you're bringing the caravan or camper. It's barely twenty minutes away, making this a solid morning walk before heading back to the park for lunch. St Neots Camping and Caravanning Club Site is another option if you're willing to go a bit further afield.