Old Covert

Ancient woodland doesn't get much better than Old Covert, a proper slice of Suffolk forest just outside Saxmundham. You're walking through trees that have stood here for centuries, with the kind of dense canopy that blocks out half the sky and keeps things cool even on warm days.

It's brilliant for anyone who wants to actually use their legs without the pretence of a tourist attraction. There's no visitor centre, no gift shop, no admission fee - just woodland as it should be. Families with energetic kids will find it perfect for a proper ramble, though younger children might find the lack of paths a touch challenging. If you're into bird spotting or just want to disappear for an hour, this is your place.

Walkers should allow at least ninety minutes if you want to explore properly, though you can do a quick circuit in half that. The ground can be boggy in wet weather, so decent boots are essential rather than optional. Spring brings bluebells, which is when most people make the pilgrimage.

If you're staying at Pigs in Blankets, just three and a half miles away, Old Covert slots perfectly into a weekend exploring the quieter side of Suffolk. There's nothing fancy here, which is precisely why it works. No Instagram-bait nonsense, just woodland doing what woodland does best. Head there early if you want any peace - weekends can get surprisingly busy for somewhere so deliberately unmarked on most maps.