Serpentine Wood

You won't find crowds at Serpentine Wood, which sits just east of Stevenage and feels properly removed from the town despite being on its doorstep. It's a decent chunk of woodland - the kind where you can actually lose yourself for an hour or two without hearing traffic, which is rarer than you'd think in Hertfordshire.

The main draw is straightforward: woodland walking. There are paths that wind through mature trees, good for families who want their kids burning off energy without needing an epic expedition. The undergrowth changes with the seasons - bluebell season is worth timing your visit around if you can manage it. It's not dramatic or particularly rare, but that's rather the point. It works as a proper escape.

Historically it's nothing to write home about, but locals will tell you it's been here long enough to feel established. You won't need more than an hour or ninety minutes unless you're very keen on faffing about with a map and binoculars. Spring and early summer are genuinely lovely; winter can feel a bit bleak and damp.

If you're based at Jacks Hill Caravans - just 2.5 miles away - this makes a solid half-day addition to your park holiday. Same with Baldock Park Homes at 4.1 miles. It's free to access, which is always welcome. Not the sort of place that'll become your highlight, but exactly the kind of local woodland that makes a caravan break feel less about ticking boxes and more about actually breathing.