Long Wood

Long Wood is a proper walk through ancient woodland on the Hertfordshire side of the Chiltern Hills, just east of Dunstable. You're looking at mature beech and oak trees, the kind that make you feel small, with paths that wind through dappled shade and seasonal wildflowers that pop in spring and early summer.

It's the sort of place where walkers come to clear their heads rather than tick boxes. There's no faffing about with visitor centres or themed attractions - just woodland as it should be. Families with kids who actually enjoy rambling will get hours out of this. Younger children might find it a bit samey after forty minutes unless you're into spotting woodland birds and insects.

The whole loop takes a couple of hours depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire things. It's free to access and works brilliantly as part of a wider Chiltern Hills walking route if you're staying in the area. Merlin Farm Camping near Whipsnade Zoo sits only 2.3 miles away, so you could easily base yourself there and explore Long Wood as one of several woodland walks in the region.

Best visited outside school holidays if you prefer peace and quiet. Autumn is particularly good when the beech leaves turn that deep copper colour. Fair warning though - it can get muddy, so waterproof boots aren't optional.