Chobham Common

Open heathland that feels like a proper escape, even though you're only a few miles from Chertsey. Chobham Common stretches across 1,400 acres of sandy heath, birch woodland and grassland - the kind of place where you genuinely can't hear traffic if you wander far enough in.

It's excellent for walkers. The terrain is straightforward, paths are well-trodden, and you get genuine wildness without needing mountain boots. Spring brings heather blooms in soft purples and pinks. Summer dries everything out to golden tones. The wildlife is decent too - you'll spot heathland birds, gorse-loving insects, and if you're lucky, adders (harmless if you leave them alone). Kids can run properly here without fretting about cliffs or sheer drops, which beats many nature reserves. Allow two to three hours for a decent circuit, though you can do thirty minutes if you're just after a leg-stretch.

The common is free to access with no formal facilities, so bring water and snacks. It's not the manicured sort of park - there's no cafe or visitor centre, which frankly is part of its charm. The nearest campsite options cluster around Chertsey, with Chobham only three or four miles south. If you're based at Chertsey Caravan Park or the Camping and Caravanning Club Site, this is absolutely worth the short drive.

Best visited on weekdays when it's quieter. Weekends bring dog walkers galore, which matters if you prefer solitude. Honestly, it's not dramatic or famous enough to detour miles for, but if you're in the area, it's proper worth an afternoon.