Hill Wood

The woodland around Hill Wood, just outside Huntingdon, is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. Ancient trees tower over narrow paths that wind through proper dense forest - the kind where you lose mobile signal and actually notice it. You won't find visitor centres or gift shops here. It's just you, the birds, and a lot of green.

Walkers will get the most from Hill Wood. The terrain is mixed enough to keep things interesting without being punishing, and the forest floor is soft underfoot even when wet. Families with younger kids might find it a bit samey after half an hour - there's no obvious "destination" within the woodland, no café waiting at the end, no playground. But if your lot enjoy proper forest walks rather than structured attractions, they'll be content poking about in here for a couple of hours.

Come in late autumn or early spring when the undergrowth isn't quite so dense and the light filters through better. Summer can feel a bit claustrophobic, if I'm honest.

If you're camped at Huntingdon Boathaven or Grafham Water, Hill Wood makes a solid morning outing before heading into town. It's not going to be the highlight of your trip, but it's exactly the kind of proper woodland walk that rounds out a park holiday nicely. Free to access and no time limit - just turn up.