Wild Woods

Wild Woods is a woodland area on the outskirts of Chessington that offers a proper escape from the theme park madness just down the road. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think - dense trees, winding paths, and enough green space to let kids burn off some energy without the queues. The woodland itself isn't vast, so don't expect to get properly lost, but it's ideal if you're staying at Chessington World of Adventures Resort and want a break from the rides without leaving the area entirely.

For families, this works best as a two-hour detour rather than a destination in itself. Bring wellies if it's been wet - the paths get muddy and uneven. Older kids who enjoy nature walks will find it more rewarding than toddlers, though there's enough room to let younger ones explore safely. It pairs well with the nearby holiday parks - Polyapes Scout Campsite and Walton on Thames Camping and Caravanning Club Site are both close by, so you could combine a morning woodland walk with an afternoon at Chessington World of Adventures if you're after a mixed itinerary.

There's nothing fancy here, which is rather the point. No visitor centre, no gift shop, just trees and peace. Free to access and best visited on a weekday morning when it's quieter. Go early spring or autumn when the ground's firmer and the light's better for spotting wildlife.