Horsley's Wood

Walk into Horsley's Wood east of St Albans and you're immediately surrounded by proper old-growth woodland - the kind of place where the canopy swallows the sky and you forget the A1(M) exists just beyond the trees. It's a decent-sized forest with well-trodden paths that loop through mixed deciduous woodland, and the ground cover shifts between bluebells in spring and thick leaf litter come autumn.

This is walkers' territory, mainly. The paths are straightforward enough for families with older kids, though younger children might find a full circuit tiring - allow an hour to ninety minutes if you're not rushing. There's something satisfying about it precisely because it doesn't try too hard. No visitor centre, no gift shop, just woodland doing what woodland does.

It's worth visiting if you're keen on woodland walks and want something close to St Albans without driving far. The forest has genuine character rather than feeling manicured, which appeals to anyone after proper nature rather than a tame stroll. Spring is lovely for bluebells, but winter's cleaner for spotting the wood's structure beneath the growth.

If you're staying at Almshoe Glamping nearby - a five-star site that's only six miles away - Horsley's Wood makes an easy morning walk before heading elsewhere. It won't dominate your day, but that's rather the point. Pair it with a look around St Albans town centre or other woodland nearby for a proper countryside break.