Sally's Grove

Deep woodland paths wind through this quiet Suffolk forest, just east of Wickham Market where the A12 traffic feels a world away. Sally's Grove offers proper old-growth woodland walking without the crowds you'll find at better-known spots along the coast. Oak and beech dominate here, with enough bramble and undergrowth to make it feel genuinely wild rather than manicured.

Families with energetic kids will find plenty to explore, though pushchair-pushers should probably look elsewhere - the paths can get muddy and uneven, particularly after Suffolk's frequent drizzle. Dog walkers absolutely love it here, and you'll often have whole sections to yourself on weekday mornings.

The lack of formal facilities means this isn't for everyone. No visitor centre, no marked trails, no cafe for a post-walk cuppa. But that's rather the point - it's proper countryside rambling where you follow your nose and see what you find. Allow a couple of hours if you want to explore thoroughly, though you could easily spend half a day here with a good book and a thermos.

Staying at one of the nearby parks like Carlton Meres or Suffolk Yurt Holidays? Sally's Grove makes a lovely morning expedition when the coast gets too busy, especially during school holidays when Aldeburgh and Southwold are heaving.