Little Burton Park

A modest strip of woodland and wetland just outside Ashford that punches above its weight if you know what to look for. Little Burton Park is the sort of place locals guard jealously - proper quiet, minimal signage, and all the better for it.

What you're getting is a chance to spot woodland birds and the occasional deer if you're lucky enough, with paths that wind through deciduous trees and alongside marshy ground where dragonflies hover in summer. There's a stream running through it, which gives the whole place a sense of purpose beyond just being a patch of green. It's not dramatic, and it won't take your breath away, but it's exactly the kind of walk that clears your head in an hour or so.

Walkers will appreciate it most - especially anyone keen on birds or quiet morning rambles. It's the sort of place you'd bring binoculars, not a picnic blanket. Kids will manage it if they're the exploring type, though there's nothing specifically laid on to keep them entertained, so manage expectations there.

If you're staying at any of the nearby parks - Dunn Street Farm Campsite and Broadhembury are both within easy reach - Little Burton makes a cracking morning outing before heading into Ashford proper. It's free and there's no faffing about with opening hours. Go when it suits you, which is how it should be. Autumn's probably best when the light filters through properly and the woodland's quieter.