West Blean and Thornden Woods

Woodland walks don't come much better than West Blean and Thornden Woods, a proper sprawling nature reserve just inland from Whitstable that feels a world away from the seaside crowds. The two woods merge into one manageable network of trails through beech, oak and sweet chestnut - the kind of place where you can spend two hours wandering without seeing the same route twice.

It's brilliant for families with school-age kids. The paths are reasonably well-maintained, mostly flat with the occasional gentle slope, and there's genuine woodland atmosphere rather than the manicured park feel. Bring binoculars if you're into birds - the reserve supports everything from woodpeckers to nuthatches. In spring the bluebells are worth timing a visit around. Autumn colours are decent too, though the canopy can be quite dense so it's not the most dramatic display.

The walks are free and you can turn up anytime. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're doing a proper circuit, though you could knock out a quick 45-minute loop if time's tight. Walkers will appreciate the peace, and it makes a solid half-day outing when combined with Whitstable's beach and seafood restaurants.

If you're based at Seaview Holiday Park or Brook Farm Glamping, you're within spitting distance. The reserve works well as a break from beach time - close enough for an afternoon detour but different enough to feel like proper exploring. It's not dramatic or showy, but it's genuine woodland and that's exactly why it works.