Gosforth Hall Plantation

You'll want sturdy boots for this one. Gosforth Hall Plantation is a proper woodland walk tucked away near Holmrook in west Cumbria, the sort of place that rewards you for getting off the main tourist trail. The forest itself is mixed woodland - mostly conifers alongside some deciduous trees - threading through valleys with genuine quiet. No crowds, no gift shops, just footpaths and the occasional stream crossing.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a stroll for the casual visitor who wants a quick loop and a coffee. You're looking at a solid couple of hours minimum if you want to explore it properly, and the terrain can be muddy even days after rain. Children who like climbing on things and spotting wildlife will stay engaged longer than those after Instagram moments.

The plantation works well as part of a wider Cumbrian walking holiday. It's close enough to Fisherground Campsite - just 4.4 miles away - to make a morning or afternoon excursion if you're based there. The surrounding area has decent walking, though this particular wood is worth doing for its own sake rather than as a box-ticking exercise.

Access appears to be free, though facilities are minimal. No visitor centre, no information boards to speak of. Come prepared with a map or download offline directions before you arrive - phone signal can be temperamental. Go on a weekday if you value solitude. Winter storms strip the trees back here, which either feels atmospheric or bleak depending on your mood.