Whitmore Wood

There's a proper walk to be had through Whitmore Wood, just east of Woodbridge in Suffolk. It's a decent stretch of mixed woodland - oak and pine mostly - that gives you that sense of stepping away from things without needing to drive for hours. The paths wind through reasonably easy terrain, though it can get muddy after rain, so decent boots are worth the bother.

This is one for people who want a straightforward forest walk rather than a showstopping view. You won't find dramatic vistas or dramatic drops. What you get instead is quiet, the kind of place where you notice birdsong and the smell of damp earth. It's ideal if you're camped at somewhere like Wantisden Park just down the road - close enough for a morning ramble without faff, far enough to feel like you've actually gone somewhere.

Allow a couple of hours for a decent circuit. There's no visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so bring water and a map or download the route beforehand. It's free to walk, as woodland usually is. Families with young children might find it a bit repetitive - trees are trees, after all - but older kids who enjoy spotting wildlife or don't mind a gentle hike will get on fine here.

If you're basing yourself at one of the camping spots nearby - Brick Kiln Farm or The Orchard are also close - this slots in nicely as a half-day activity between other Suffolk pursuits. Not essential, but solid woodland walking.