Wiggery Wood

The woodland around Wiggery Wood, just east of Halstead, is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for - and that's exactly its appeal. It's proper forest, the kind with dense canopy and proper trails underfoot, none of your manicured country park business. You'll find yourself walking among established trees with enough space to actually breathe, which feels rare in Suffolk.

Walkers get the most from this one. It's not a destination attraction with a visitor centre or café - it's a working wood where you can actually lose yourself for a couple of hours without seeing another soul. The paths are decent enough, though wear decent boots if it's been wet. Families with older kids who fancy a proper woodland ramble rather than a playground will enjoy it. Younger children might find it a bit samey after half an hour, if I'm honest.

There's no entrance fee or facilities to speak of, which keeps it refreshingly unspoilt. Allow two hours if you want to explore properly. Spring and autumn are your best bets - summer can be thick with midges, and winter's muddy as hell.

It works well as a morning walk if you're staying at Woodchests Glamping or Lake View Lodges - both within easy striking distance - and won't feel like wasted time if the weather turns. Pair it with a proper lunch in Halstead and you've got a solid half-day sorted.