Hempstead Wood

Ancient woodland that's been left largely to its own devices - and all the better for it. Hempstead Wood sprawls across Essex near Saffron Walden as proper old-growth forest, the kind where you actually feel like you've stepped somewhere different rather than just walked round a municipal park. The trees are substantial, the paths are well-worn but not manicured, and there's genuine woodland floor beneath your feet rather than tarmac.

It's walkers' territory, really. The kind of place where you can lose an hour without trying, following whatever path looks inviting and finding yourself properly deep in the trees. If you're after dramatic vistas or a specific destination, you'll be disappointed - this is about the walk itself, the dappled light, the smell of damp earth and leaf litter. Children who can manage uneven ground and don't need constant activity will enjoy it; those expecting a play area will be thoroughly bored within minutes.

Given it's basically on the doorstep of Saffron Walden, it works brilliantly as a morning outing if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots like Readers Field or Hidden Gem, both of which sit just a few miles away. Hill Farm campsite is another solid option for a base. The wood itself appears to be free access with no set opening hours - it's the kind of place you can slip into at dawn or dusk without fuss. Allow a couple of hours if you want to properly explore without rushing. Go when it's been dry for a few days; after rain it can get properly boggy in places.