Lodges Spinney

A patch of woodland that sits quietly just outside Northampton, Lodges Spinney is the sort of place locals walk without thinking much about it, which is a shame. The trees here are proper old - standards, not saplings - and there's a real sense that you've stepped out of the town entirely within five minutes of leaving the car.

The spinney itself is best for a gentle woodland walk rather than anything ambitious. The paths are straightforward, nothing technical, so it suits families after an hour's fresh air without drama. You'll see standard broadleaf woodland - nothing exotic, nothing rare - but in spring it's genuinely lovely with bluebells, and autumn brings the obvious gold-and-copper business. Dog walkers seem to favour it, and that tells you something about its character: it's functional, accessible, unpretentious.

If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping sites - Lakeview or Steepleton Lodge are within throwing distance - it makes a decent circuit before breakfast or after breakfast depending on mood. Bunkers Hill Farm and Northants Caravan Site are similarly close by. The spinney won't take long, mind you. Two hours maximum for the full perimeter walk unless you're stopping to identify every species of moss.

No visitor facilities that I could find, so take what you need. Access details are thin on the ground online, but there's enough signage on the ground. It's the sort of spot that rewards a quiet walk in low season rather than a weekend scramble in July.