Overton Park

The woodland trails at Overton Park wind through proper Surrey countryside, just outside Chessington, and it's the sort of place that rewards a proper wander rather than a quick tick-off. You're walking through mixed woodland - oak and beech mostly - with enough open spaces to feel like you're actually moving through landscape rather than just trudging through trees. The paths are well-maintained and reasonably flat, which means families with younger kids won't be fighting an uphill battle the whole way.

It's genuinely good for a couple of hours of gentle rambling. Bring binoculars if you're keen on birds - the reserve does attract a decent variety depending on season - but honestly, the appeal here is just the walking itself. The air feels cleaner than it has any right to, given how close you are to suburban Surrey, and you'll spot the odd deer if you're quiet and lucky.

If you're staying at Chessington World of Adventures Resort or one of the caravan sites nearby, this is a sensible morning or late-afternoon spot. It's free, which helps, though you'll want to check what the current access arrangements are before you show up. The trails aren't signposted brilliantly, so a decent map app on your phone is essential. Not life-changing, but a proper woodland breather from the theme park chaos - and that's exactly what you need after a day at Chessington.