Cockleybank Woods

The trees here form a proper canopy - the kind where you lose track of time wandering between beech and oak. Cockleybank Woods, just outside Carlisle, is the sort of place locals know about but visitors often miss, which is precisely why it's worth the detour.

What you get is straightforward: well-maintained woodland with enough paths to keep you occupied for an afternoon without needing a map. The walking is gentle, nothing punishing, so it suits families with younger kids as much as it does anyone wanting a quiet hour away from Carlisle's bustle. Spring brings bluebells; autumn turns everything copper and gold. The floor is soft underfoot, which makes a difference when you've got little ones in tow.

There's no visitor centre or café - it's just woodland, which some will love and others might find a bit bare. Allow two hours if you're taking your time; an hour if you know what you're doing. Entry appears to be free, though we'd recommend checking locally before you visit.

It slots nicely alongside the nearby glamping options. Eden Valley Glamping sits just 2.7 miles away, and Drybeck Farm another 3.9 miles beyond that - both five-star spots if you're planning a longer stay in the area. Use the woods for a morning walk, then head back for lunch. It's not dramatic or Instagram-heavy, but sometimes that's exactly what a holiday needs.