Reanes Wood

The woodland around Carnforth pulls you in quietly - no fanfare, just decent walking among proper Lancashire trees. Reanes Wood is one of those forests that rewards curiosity rather than demanding it. You'll find yourself on well-trodden paths that meander through mixed woodland, the kind of place where you can actually hear birdsong instead of car engines.

It's straightforward stuff: walk, breathe, spot the occasional deer if you're lucky. The forest floor changes seasonally - autumn's a riot of colour, spring feels fresh and alive. There's no visitor centre or cafe, no playground either, so this isn't the sort of woodland that keeps young children entertained for hours. But if you're after a genuine walk away from things, or you need some decent air after the caravan, it does the job.

The nearest reasonable base is Carnforth, barely ten minutes away, though if you're staying at Parkdean Resorts Ocean Edge a few miles south, you could easily fit this in as a morning ramble before heading to the beach or wherever else you're heading. Allow an hour to ninety minutes depending on how many side paths you fancy exploring.

No entrance fee, no booking needed - just turn up and get walking. It's the kind of place that works best when you're not expecting much. And that's precisely why it works at all.