Primrose Wood

Primrose Wood sits east of Sudbury in Suffolk, a small nature reserve that punches above its weight if you catch it at the right time of year. Spring is when it properly comes alive - the clue's in the name, really. The woodland floor floods with primroses, and if you're lucky, you'll spot bluebells too. It's a gentle walk rather than a full expedition, ideal for families who want something low-key or anyone after a quiet hour in the trees without the crowds you'd get at the bigger reserves.

The wood itself is typical Suffolk woodland - mixed broadleaf, nothing dramatically steep, easy to navigate even with young kids in tow. You're looking at a leisurely 30-45 minutes if you amble properly and stop to look at things rather than just march through. The birdsong is proper good, and it's the sort of place where you might actually see something - nuthatches, woodpeckers, common enough woodland birds that still feel special when you spot them.

Geographically, it's well positioned if you're basing yourself at Polstead Country Park, just over two miles away. Worth combining the two for a proper morning's outing - the reserve for a nature fix, the country park for facilities and a wider range of activities. Go in April or May if you can, when the wildflowers are at their best. Quieter than it needs to be, honestly, which works entirely in its favour.