Mark Wood

Mark Wood is a proper working forest just east of Colchester, the sort of place where you can actually walk among the trees without feeling like you're on a theme park trail. It's managed woodland rather than a manicured park - you'll find yourself on decent paths threading through mixed stands of pine and broadleaf, with the occasional clearing that breaks up the canopy nicely.

The main draw here is simplicity itself. Walk it, breathe it, maybe spot a deer if you're lucky and quiet about it. It's ideal for families who want something less fussy than a visitor attraction - kids can run ahead on the paths without you needing to book tickets or worry about closing times. Walkers get a decent few miles of gentle woodland trails; it's not dramatic terrain, but it's the sort of place you return to because it actually feels like being in a forest rather than visiting one.

There's no café, no visitor centre, no admission charge - just woodland access, which is refreshing. Allow between one and three hours depending on how deep you want to wander. Early morning is best if you care about wildlife; weekday afternoons are quieter than weekends.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Polstead Country Park, Rushbanks Farm, or Ardleigh - Mark Wood makes a straightforward addition to your routine. It's the sort of spot you nip into between other activities rather than plan your whole day around, but that's exactly why locals keep coming back.