Jubilee Wood

The woodland walks around Jubilee Wood near Cockermouth offer proper respite from the Lakeland fells if you're after something less strenuous. It's a genuine forest - the sort where you actually walk among trees rather than just passing through scrubland - and the network of paths makes it accessible for families who don't fancy eight miles uphill.

There's something about walking through established woodland that slots nicely into a caravan holiday. You're not fighting the crowds you'd get at the major fell spots, and kids tend to stay engaged longer when there's the constant visual interest of trees, undergrowth, and the occasional beck. The paths are manageable year-round, though winter can get muddy depending on rainfall.

I'd allow a couple of hours for a decent wander, though you could easily do a shorter loop in forty minutes if you're just after some fresh air between other activities. There's no charge to access it - it's just a case of turning up and getting on with it. Spring and early summer work best; the woodland floor comes alive and you're not battling midges or thick wet vegetation.

If you're staying at Harbour Side Caravan Park just outside Cockermouth, this sits nicely as a half-day diversion alongside trips to the nearby peaks. It won't compete with a proper mountain walk, but it's honest woodland and worth the detour if the weather's turned or everyone's energy levels are flagging.