Wrabness Woods

The woods themselves are nothing fancy - a modest strip of Essex woodland that sits between Manningtree and the coast, offering proper walking routes through mixed trees and along the water's edge. You get views across the Stour estuary, which on a clear day has a certain austere appeal, and the paths are well-maintained enough for a decent stomp.

It's the kind of place where serious walkers will appreciate the riverside sections and the relative quietness - no crowds, no nonsense, just trees and mud and the occasional glimpse of wading birds if you're lucky. Children will be fine here for an hour or so, though it's not the sort of spot that holds attention for a full morning unless they're genuinely into nature spotting. History buffs won't find much to detain them.

Worthwhile if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks - Strangers Holiday Park is only three miles away, and Dovercourt Holiday Park just slightly further - it's an easy drive to add a walk to your day. The access appears to be free, which is one less thing to worry about. Best visited when it's not hammering with rain, because the paths can get boggy and the whole experience becomes less pleasant than it sounds. Allow ninety minutes at a leisurely pace if you want to explore properly. Don't expect drama. Do expect a genuine bit of rural Essex, which has its own quiet charm if you're not after picture-postcard moments.