Burhill Wood

Burhill Wood is a proper working forest east of Stevenage where you can actually see what goes on behind the scenes - managed woodland rather than the kind of place where nature just does its own thing. Paths wind through a mix of deciduous trees and conifers, and on a quiet day it's the sort of spot where you'll hear more birds than people.

It's best for walkers who don't mind uneven ground and aren't after a manicured country park experience. The forest floor is soft underfoot, and there's enough variation in the landscape to keep kids interested for a decent hour or two - fallen logs to clamber over, clearings where light properly floods through the canopy. Bring a camera if you're into wildlife; red squirrels have been spotted here, though you'll need patience.

No visitor facilities that we could find, so come prepared with water and snacks. There's no entrance fee as far as we can tell, and it's open year-round - though winter reveals the bones of the woodland better than summer when it all gets a bit thick and green.

If you're staying at Baldock Park Homes nearby, this makes a solid morning walk before heading somewhere more touristy. It won't blow your mind, but it's genuine woodland without the crowds you'd get at the big country estates. The reality of managed forestry is more interesting than you'd think.