Kemp's Wood

Walking into Kemp's Wood near Halstead feels like stepping back in time - the kind of place where Essex still has proper woodland instead of commuter belt sprawl. It's a genuine forest, not a manicured country estate, with decent-sized trees and the sort of quiet you don't often find this close to the M25. The woodland floor gets boggy in winter, so come prepared with decent boots if you're visiting between November and March.

This is brilliant for walkers who want a straightforward woods wander without the crowds you'd get at somewhere like Hatfield Forest. Families with children will manage fine on the main paths - no major obstacles, and kids tend to enjoy the freedom of a real wood rather than a park. Give yourself 45 minutes to an hour for a proper explore. Birdwatchers might spot nuthatches and great spotted woodpeckers depending on the season.

It's free to access and there aren't formal opening hours - you just turn up. That said, stick to daylight hours and park sensibly near the entrance.

If you're based at Gosfield Lake Resort just half a mile away, Kemp's Wood makes a decent morning or afternoon excursion to break up a holiday. It's less polished than the local parks but that's exactly why it works. Golden Grove and Stocks Farm are also within reasonable driving distance for campers wanting a woodland walk that doesn't feel manufactured. Not Instagram-worthy, but genuinely pleasant.