Lambridge Wood

Ancient beech trees tower overhead in this proper bit of old English woodland, just a short drive from Henley-on-Thames. Lambridge Wood feels genuinely wild despite being so close to the Thames Valley's busier spots. The paths wind through mature forest where you'll hear more birdsong than traffic, and the canopy creates that cathedral-like atmosphere you get in really established woods.

Families with older children who actually enjoy walking will love it here - there's enough variety in the terrain to keep things interesting without being challenging. Dog walkers seem to have claimed this as their patch, and you can see why. The wood connects to other footpaths if you fancy extending your walk towards the river.

It's free to wander (as far as I could tell), though parking might be limited depending on where you access it. Allow at least an hour if you're doing a proper explore, longer if you want to sit and actually listen to the place.

For families staying at Swiss Farm Touring or Henley Four Oaks, both about a mile and a half away, this makes a lovely morning escape from the campsite routine. Much better than dragging everyone round another National Trust garden, and the kids can actually make some noise without getting tutted at.