Greyfriars Wood

Walking into Greyfriars Wood near Saxmundham, you're immediately struck by how quiet it is - proper woodland quiet, with just birdsong and the occasional crackle underfoot. This is a genuine forest rather than a manicured country park, which means tangled paths, ancient-looking trees, and the kind of dappled light that makes you feel properly away from it all even though you're only minutes from Suffolk's market towns.

It's ideal for anyone who wants an actual walk rather than a stroll. Families with older kids will enjoy it; younger ones might find it a bit samey after 40 minutes. Walkers will appreciate the serious woodland feel - it's not difficult terrain, but it's not a flat loop either. History types get something too: the name itself points to medieval monastic land, though there's not much visible remains. What you're mainly here for is the trees themselves and the chance to breathe properly.

Allow a good hour to two hours depending on which paths you take. There's no visitor centre or facilities that I could find, so come prepared. Free access, no obvious barriers.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Cliff House is practically on your doorstep - Greyfriars makes an excellent morning or afternoon circuit. It's close enough to Haw Wood Farm and Mill Hill Farm that you could easily combine it with other local walking if the weather's decent. Not a showstopper, but a proper piece of countryside that actually feels like you've left something behind.