Pigneys Wood

A strip of ancient woodland sitting just outside North Walsham, Pigneys Wood is the sort of place that rewards a proper wander rather than a quick dash through. The trees here are old - genuinely old - and the woodland floor feels like stepping back in time, especially in spring when the bluebells take over. It's Norfolk woodland at its most understated: no flashy viewpoints or visitor facilities, just quiet paths through mature hardwood and the occasional sound of birds.

This works best for walkers who like to move at their own pace and families with children old enough to handle uneven ground without constant demands for snacks. History buffs might find the woodland's age interesting, though there's nothing particularly dramatic to see - it's more about atmosphere than headlines. The whole experience takes anything from 45 minutes to a couple of hours depending on how deep you want to explore.

Access appears to be free and unrestricted, though facilities are minimal - bring your own water. Autumn is excellent here, genuinely better than summer when midges can be tiresome and the trees block out the light. Winter's fine if the ground isn't waterlogged.

If you're based at Two Mills Touring Park or any of the other sites nearby - Deer's Glade and Woodland Holiday Park are both within spitting distance - this makes an easy morning or afternoon outing. North Walsham itself is hardly a destination, but the woodland slots nicely into a Norfolk park holiday where you're after countryside walks rather than attractions.