Palmer's Spinney

A patch of woodland that actually rewards a proper walk, Palmer's Spinney sits just outside Henlow and feels genuinely quiet even when the weather's decent. You're looking at mixed forest - the kind where you'll spot oak and beech alongside more recent plantings - and the paths wind through without feeling like they've been paved flat for pushchairs, which is rather refreshing.

Walkers will get the most out of this one. It's not dramatic scenery, but there's something about moving through real woodland that beats a manicured country park walk. You'll spot birds, the occasional deer if you're lucky, and the light filtering through in a way that makes you understand why people bang on about forests. Allow a good 90 minutes if you're not rushing; the spinney's intimate enough that you don't need hours, but large enough that you won't feel you've done it all in 20 minutes.

If you're based at Henlow Bridge Lakes or Cambridgeshire Lakes - both strong options for a family park holiday in this corner of the Midlands - Palmer's Spinney works as a morning outing before lunch. It's free, naturally, and there's no nonsense about booking ahead or entry times. Just turn up. Best visited outside peak summer weekends when the footfall stays manageable and the wood feels like yours. Late autumn is when it really sings, but muddy boots are compulsory.