Gorham Wood

The woods around Gorham sit properly thick with oak and beech, the kind of place where you lose track of time after twenty minutes. It's a straightforward forest walk near Maidstone - nothing fancy, no visitor centre or car park attendant, just trees and the occasional muddy path that keeps things real. You'll find decent trails weaving through, some opening onto fields where the light suddenly floods in. Best visited autumn through spring when the ground's firm enough and you won't be fighting through bracken up to your waist. Summer can be muggy and the paths dissolve a bit.

This is pure walker territory. Families with young kids might manage an hour if they're keen sorts, but it won't hold anyone's attention for longer than that unless you're genuinely into woodland. History buffs won't find much to grab onto here - it's not ancient, just working forest. The real appeal is the break from Maidstone's suburbs. You get genuine countryside without any of the faffing about.

Stay at Chegworth Mill Glamping or Bearsted Caravan Club if you're basing yourself nearby and want to tick some woodland walks off. Both are within easy reach. The walks themselves are free and unrestricted, though facilities are thin on the ground so come prepared. Allow two hours if you're meandering, less if you're just stretching your legs. Go midweek if you can - weekends bring the dog walkers and it gets crowded for what is, after all, a fairly modest wood.