Shelland Wood

Head east from Diss and you'll find yourself in Shelland Wood, a proper slice of Suffolk woodland that feels a world away from the Norfolk Broads just down the road. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think - dense trees, dappled light, the works. The tracks wind through deciduous forest, and in spring it's a riot of bluebells. Nothing fancy, no visitor centre or gift shop nonsense, just woodland as it should be.

Walkers get the most out of this one. The paths are manageable rather than challenging, which means families with younger kids can do a loop without anyone complaining their legs hurt within twenty minutes. If you're staying at Bright Meadow Caravan Park nearby, it's an easy morning excursion before heading into Diss proper for lunch. Bring good boots though - after rain it can get muddy, and there's no proper maintenance schedule to keep things tidy.

Allow a couple of hours maximum. You're not tackling a serious hike here, more of a ramble. The wood isn't large enough to get lost in, which some will see as a plus, others as not quite enough to justify a special trip on its own. It works best as part of a broader Suffolk afternoon rather than a destination in itself. Summer brings insects and shade in equal measure, so spring or autumn are your best bets. Free to access, and that's the only price point that makes sense for what's on offer.