Tarn Plantation

The trees at Tarn Plantation seem to go on forever. It's a proper woodland walk just a couple of miles from Wigton, the kind of place you head to when you want to disappear into the forest for an hour without faffing about with long drives. The plantation itself is mixed woodland - a blend of conifers and broadleaves that create dappled light on the forest floor, and on a decent day the whole thing feels remarkably peaceful.

Walking through here is straightforward. There are established paths, though nothing particularly dramatic in terms of scenery - you're here for the woods themselves, the birdsong, the sense of being properly tucked away. It's ideal for families with kids who are old enough to handle muddy trails without needing constant entertainment. Walkers doing circuits around the area often pass through, and it makes a solid couple of hours if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks like Riverside Tourer or Carrock Glamping Pods.

Admission appears to be free, which is the main reason to come really. There's no visitor centre or fancy facilities, just trees and quiet. Go early in the morning if you can - you'll have the place to yourself and avoid any school groups milling about. The ground can be boggy after rain, so proper boots are worth taking. It's not going to blow your mind, but for a quick forest ramble near Wigton when you're based at one of the local holiday parks, it does the job perfectly well.