Meadsgarden Wood

The woodland around Meadsgarden Wood offers proper walking territory if you're based near Marlow and fancy a break from the river views. It's a straightforward forest walk - deciduous trees, uneven ground, the usual British woodland soundtrack of rustling leaves and the occasional irritated pheasant. Nothing dramatic, but it does the job.

You'll get the most out of this if you're the type who enjoys a gentle ramble rather than a destination hike. Families with older kids will find it manageable, though there's no visitor centre or amenities to speak of, so come prepared. An hour to ninety minutes is about right unless you're exploring the full network of paths. The forest is particularly decent in autumn when the colour changes, less inspiring in deep winter when everything looks rather brown.

Based at one of the camping spots nearby - Bella Vista and Home Farm are both solid choices within five miles - you could combine this with a walk down to Marlow itself and the Thames towpath, which gives you considerably more variety. It's the sort of place that works brilliantly as a half-day activity wedged between other things rather than a destination in itself. Free to access and open whenever, which keeps things flexible if you're on a camping holiday and the weather's being awkward. Not worth a special trip from elsewhere, but if you're staying in the area, it'll fill a morning without fuss.