Madam White's Covert

A proper woodland walk rather than a tourist spectacle, Madam White's Covert sits near Peterborough and delivers exactly what you'd want from a forest patch - old trees, quiet paths, and absolutely no gift shop. The covert is small enough to explore in an hour or so, though you could easily stretch it to two if you're the type who stops to listen to birds or photograph moss on ancient oaks.

The walk itself is straightforward - no steep climbs or technical bits, just woodland underfoot and green canopy overhead. It's the kind of place where you'll spot families with young kids at weekends, but on a weekday morning you've got decent odds of having it to yourself. There's something restorative about woods like this, especially if you've driven down from the Midlands or popped over from the East Coast.

If you're camping at Castle Farm Campsite, it's barely six miles away - close enough for a morning ramble without faffing about with long drives. The covert works well as a gentle warm-up walk before or after a few nights glamping, or as a half-day outing if the weather's being temperamental and you want somewhere sheltered.

Free to enter, naturally. Just check locally for any seasonal closures or maintenance work, as small woodlands sometimes need managing. Worth a visit if you're in the area, though don't expect dramatic views or Instagram moments - you'll get peace and old trees instead.