Gardener's Belt

The Gardener's Belt is a proper woodland walk just east of Saxmundham, and it's the sort of place that rewards you for getting off the main road. You're walking through mixed forest here - nothing dramatic, but genuinely peaceful, with decent-sized trees and a path that meanders rather than marches. On a quiet weekday you might not see another soul, which is either exactly what you want or a bit eerie depending on your mood.

It's best suited to families with kids old enough to manage a woodland trail without constant moaning, and serious walkers will find it a pleasant stretch without being particularly challenging. The whole thing takes maybe 45 minutes to an hour depending on pace and how often you stop to breathe. Spring brings bluebells which aren't spectacular by northern standards but are nice enough. Autumn is probably your best bet - the light comes through the canopy properly and you get that genuine forest smell.

The Croft Campsite is less than six miles away, making this an easy addition to a holiday in the area. It's free to access and there's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so come prepared. Honestly, it won't change your life, but if you're staying nearby and fancy a proper walk in the woods away from the coast crowds, it fills an afternoon well enough. Go midweek if possible - weekends can get a bit busier than such a quiet spot deserves.