Thetford Forest

A sprawling coniferous woodland that stretches across 20,000 acres between Bury Saint Edmunds and Brandon, Thetford Forest is the sort of place you come to breathe properly. The trees are densely packed - Scots pine and Douglas fir mostly - and the paths wind through without much pretension. It's genuinely quiet, which is rarer than you'd think near a major town.

Cycling dominates here. There's a serious mountain bike scene with trails rated by difficulty, and plenty of gentler routes if you're not looking to hurl yourself down a black run on two wheels. The forest paths are well-maintained and marked clearly enough that you won't spend half an afternoon backtracking. Walking works just as well if you prefer it on foot - stick to the main trails and you'll have an easy few hours without feeling rushed.

Wildlife watching brings people here too. Red squirrels are about, though you'll need patience to spot them. Birdwatchers reckon it's decent for woodland species. Families with younger kids sometimes find it a bit samey after an hour or so - it's forest, more forest, and then more forest - but serious outdoor types will happily spend a full day here.

Access is free, parking is modest, and the nearest services are in Bury Saint Edmunds or Brandon depending which side you approach from. If you're staying at Willow Grove Farm Glamping nearby, it's worth a morning trip. Go early to avoid the weekend bike crowd.