Great Byards Sale

Walk into Great Byards Sale and you're immediately surrounded by proper woodland - the kind where the canopy gets dense enough that you lose track of time. It's a forest block in Northamptonshire, east of Peterborough, and while it won't take your breath away like the Lake District might, it's exactly what you need if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Rockingham Forest Park or Castle Farm Campsite and fancy stretching your legs without a fuss.

The main appeal here is straightforward: trees, paths, and room to walk without bumping into crowds. Bring the kids if they're the type who'll entertain themselves with sticks and puddles; older children might find it a bit quiet. History buffs won't find much - it's working woodland, not a heritage site. What you get is a chance to breathe, watch for birds, and feel like you've actually left the caravan site for a proper outing.

There's no visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so come prepared - good shoes, maybe a hat if the sun's out. It's free to wander, though opening hours weren't clear when I checked. Allow an hour or two depending on which routes you fancy. Best visited in spring when the woodland floor's coming alive, or autumn when the light filters through properly. It's not a destination in itself, but as an add-on to a park holiday in the area, it does the job.