Broom Covert

Walking into Broom Covert, you're immediately surrounded by proper woodland - the kind of place where the noise from the main road drops away within minutes. It's a working forest near Grimston in Norfolk, with mixed woodland that feels genuinely wild compared to the manicured parks you find elsewhere.

The tracks are well-trodden and reasonably managed, making it decent for families with older kids or anyone after a straightforward woodland walk. You won't find play equipment or visitor facilities here - this is about trees, birdsong, and the occasional dash of light filtering through the canopy. Allow an hour or so, maybe longer if you're the type who stops to identify birds.

What makes it worth the trip is that it sits perfectly within striking distance of Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa, just five miles away. If you're based there for a week, Broom Covert fills a morning slot without needing to plan an elaborate outing. It's the kind of place you visit for fresh air rather than a specific landmark, though locals clearly value it enough to keep the paths from becoming completely overgrown.

Going early morning is your best bet - quieter, better light, and you'll actually see the wildlife that makes it special. Afternoon visits can feel a bit samey. Bring decent boots; after rain, it gets muddy in patches. Free to access, as far as I can tell, and genuinely useful for breaking up a park-based holiday with something a bit more rugged.