Lower Wood

Lower Wood sits just outside Newmarket, a proper slice of ancient woodland that doesn't announce itself loudly but rewards a quiet wander. This is old England - the kind of place where you half expect to turn a corner and find yourself in a Watership Down illustration. The wood itself is carpeted with bluebells in spring, though summer brings a darker, mossier atmosphere that some find moody and others find genuinely peaceful.

It's not a theme park experience. There are no facilities, no café, no car park with a gift shop. What you get is woodland - genuinely wild-feeling despite being minutes from Newmarket town centre. The paths wind through mature trees, and on a decent day the dappled light makes it worth the walk alone. Dog walkers absolutely love it, as do parents wanting to tire out energetic kids without resorting to screen time.

Allow a couple of hours if you're the ambling type. Half an hour if you just want a brisk loop. Entry is free, as far as I can tell - there's no barrier stopping you anyway. The nearest proper facilities are back in Newmarket itself.

If you're staying at Piggles Retreat or HappenOak Treehouse (both cracking spots, mind), Lower Wood makes an easy morning venture before heading to bigger attractions. Honest assessment: it won't be the highlight of your holiday, but on a good day it's exactly what you need when the kids have had enough of structured activities. Bit muddy after rain though - proper waterproofs essential.