Hayley Wood Nature Reserve

An ancient woodland where you can actually hear the silence - that's Hayley Wood. This 160-acre reserve near Sandy is one of Cambridgeshire's best-kept secrets, a proper slice of old England where the trees have been here for centuries. The woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells come spring, and the canopy's thick enough that even on bright days you're walking in dappled shade.

There are waymarked trails threading through, ranging from gentle loops to longer walks that'll take the best part of an afternoon. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars - nuthatches, great spotted woodpeckers, and tawny owls are regular sightings. Families with younger kids find it manageable but worth knowing the paths can get muddy, and there's not much in the way of facilities, so come prepared.

It's free to visit, which is a bonus. Allow at least two hours if you're going to do it properly rather than just poking about for twenty minutes. Spring and early summer are when it really sings - literally, if you catch the dawn chorus.

If you're basing yourself at Cambridgeshire Lakes or Guilden Gate Glamping nearby, Hayley Wood makes an excellent half-day excursion. The reserve complements a park stay well - you get proper outdoor time without needing a car once you're here. Sandy itself is a reasonable market town for supplies if needed.