Hoglands Wood

The woods east of Dunmow are proper Essex woodland - the kind where you actually feel like you've stepped away from the commuter belt. Hoglands Wood is a fairly compact patch of forest, not the sort of place you'll spend half a day wandering, but genuinely worth diverting to if you're staying at one of the local parks.

What you get here is straightforward: tree-lined paths, a bit of shade, and enough space to let kids run about without feeling hemmed in. The canopy's thick enough that it stays cool even on warm days, which is handy if you're camping at Dairymeade Farm Glamping just three miles away. The walking's easy - no steep climbs or technical bits - so it works for families with younger legs.

Really, the appeal comes down to what else you're doing in the area. On its own merits, it's a pleasant local wood rather than a destination. But if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks - Golden Grove, five and a half miles south, is also well-rated - this becomes a useful spot for an hour's leg-stretch. Bring a packed lunch and you could make a morning of it without feeling like you've missed anything by skipping the bigger attractions elsewhere.

Timing-wise, spring and early autumn are best. Summer gets muggy under the trees, and winter's honestly a bit damp and gloomy unless you're after that bleak woodland atmosphere. It's the sort of place that rewards getting there early, before any groups arrive.