Priestley Wood

The woodland floor at Priestley Wood is thick with leaf litter and the smell of damp earth - proper forest stuff. It's a decent-sized patch of mixed woodland just east of Ipswich that doesn't get rammed with visitors, which is half the appeal. You can walk straight into it without faffing about with gates or visitor centres, and the paths wind through established trees offering decent shade even in summer.

Walkers will find a solid hour or two here without breaking a sweat. The trails aren't dramatic - no dramatic viewpoints or sudden clearings - but they're pleasant enough if you're after a bit of woodland without the drive to Norfolk. Kids who'll actually look at things rather than demand ice cream should find it interesting; there's enough undergrowth and bird life to keep them occupied. Fair warning though: it's not a destination on its own. It's the sort of walk you'd tack onto a day exploring Ipswich or as a break from a caravan holiday at one of the nearby sites.

Staying at Wheathill just 2.2 miles away makes sense if you want easy access. Stonham Barns and Goldings are both within reach too, and you could combine this with exploring the wider Suffolk countryside. Go on a weekday morning if you can - it's quiet then and you'll actually hear the woodland rather than other people.