Morcott Spinney

A small woodland tucked away near Corby that won't eat up your afternoon but gives proper value if you're after a quiet walk. Morcott Spinney is the kind of place where you'll actually hear birds rather than other tourists arguing about camera angles. The forest floor is well-trodden in places, which means someone's been here before you, but it never feels rammed. Tree cover is decent - oak and ash mostly - so it's genuinely pleasant even when the Northamptonshire wind decides to show up.

This works best for walkers who aren't after dramatic vistas. Families with young children will get an hour, maybe ninety minutes out of it before the questions start. Older kids keen on nature spotting or bug hunting will do better. The spinney connects reasonably well with other woodland in the area, so you can loop routes if you're staying at New Lodge Farm just down the road - that farm park's got enough going on that a morning here and afternoon there makes a solid day.

No facilities to speak of, so bring water. Free to access, clearly, and there's parking nearby. Best visited in spring when the woodland floor comes alive, though it's absolutely fine any time of year if you're just after fresh air and a break from the car. Not spectacular, but honest and unpretentious - that's the appeal.