Holme Wood

The Fens aren't exactly known for woodland, which is precisely why Holme Wood comes as a surprise just east of Peterborough. This isn't some manicured country estate forest - it's a proper working woodland with real character, the kind of place where you actually feel like you've walked into something wild rather than a theme-park version of nature.

The trees here are dense enough that you lose sight of the Cambridgeshire flatlands almost immediately. Paths wind through, ranging from easy riverside strolls to rougher tracks that demand proper footwear after rain. Birdwatchers come here regularly - the mix of woodland and water attracts more interesting species than you'd expect this far inland. In spring and early summer it's genuinely lovely, thick with bluebells and the kind of quiet you don't get near towns.

It works well for families wanting a proper walk without needing a full day's commitment - an hour to ninety minutes does the job nicely. The terrain is forgiving enough for children, though teenagers might find it a bit tame. If you're staying at Ferry Meadows, just down the road, Holme Wood makes an ideal half-day outing that doesn't require driving far. The woodland sits alongside water features that add variety to the walk.

Bring waterproofs - the ground gets boggy after rain, which is part of its charm really. It's the sort of place that reminds you why East Anglia's woodland matters, even if it never makes the postcards.