Ketchley Copse

A patch of proper woodland tucked away between Herons and the Romney Marsh flatlands, Ketchley Copse is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for. It's small - we're talking a few acres of mixed trees and undergrowth - but it does the job if you're camped nearby and need a decent walk without driving anywhere.

The copse itself is straightforward: well-trodden paths wind through typical Kent woodland, nothing dramatic but pleasant enough on a dry day. You'll get maybe 45 minutes to an hour out of it, depending on how slowly you mooch about. It's the kind of spot that works brilliantly if you've got kids who need burning off energy without expecting theme-park excitement - they can splash through puddles, hunt for sticks, spot the occasional bird. Adults after a proper forest ramble might find it a touch thin, though it's useful as part of a longer walking loop around the area.

If you're staying at Herons Park Campsite (just 1.3 miles away) or Romney Meadows, this is genuinely worth knowing about. The Romney Marsh area isn't exactly dripping with woodland, so having a patch of trees on your doorstep beats driving 20 minutes for something similar. It's free, no formal opening hours to worry about, and you can roll up whenever suits.

Best visited in spring or early summer when the canopy's thick and the ground isn't a bog. Autumn's decent too if you're keen on kicking leaves about.