Heath Wood

There's something about walking into Heath Wood that makes you forget Maidstone is just a few miles away. This proper forest sprawls across decent acreage and feels genuinely wild - no manicured paths, no visitor centre, just trees and space and the sound of your own footsteps on the forest floor.

You can wander the woodland trails at your own pace, which suits families with younger kids who get bored on structured routes, or serious walkers after a bit of solitude. The canopy's thick enough that even on bright days it feels cool and atmospheric. Spring's lovely if the bluebells are out; autumn's when the light gets interesting through the branches.

There's no admission fee that I can find, and no formal opening hours either - it's the kind of place you just turn up to. You'll want at least an hour to get a feel for it, longer if you're the type who stops to identify birds or just sits and reads. In winter the ground gets muddy, so proper shoes are essential.

If you're staying at Bearsted Caravan and Motorhome Club just down the road, or at one of the glamping spots like Rankins Farm, Heath Wood makes for a cracking half-day escape without needing to drive far. It won't blow your mind - it's not some jaw-dropping vista - but it does what a forest should: gives you room to breathe and a decent walk without faffing about with visitor facilities.