Pitmorehill Spinney

A small woodland south of Northampton that's proper worth a wander if you're staying at one of the local caravan parks. Pitmorehill Spinney is exactly what it says on the tin - a spinney, or copse, dense with mixed woodland that feels miles from anywhere despite being barely on the town's doorstep.

There's no visitor centre, no facilities, no fanfare. You just turn up and walk it. The paths are decent enough underfoot, winding through mature trees with decent light filtering through in summer. It's the sort of place that appeals to walkers after something low-key, families wanting a quick woodland ramble without the crowds, and anyone who needs twenty minutes of actual quiet.

I'd allow an hour if you're taking it slowly, half that if you just want to stretch your legs. Go early on a weekday to avoid the dog walkers at weekends - they own the place by mid-morning. The spinney is small enough that you won't feel lost, large enough that it doesn't feel like a five-minute detour.

If you're based at Lakeview Glamping or Bunkers Hill Farm, this beats circling Northampton town centre looking for somewhere to walk. It's free, no permits needed as far as I can tell, and it does exactly what a local spinney should do - gives you trees, quietness, and a genuine reason to leave the caravan.