Lindow Spinney

Lindow Spinney is a small woodland near Northampton where you can actually walk without bumping into crowds. It's the sort of place locals know but tourists rarely find, which is precisely why it works so well if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Bunkers Hill Farm or Steepleton Lodge.

The woodland itself is modest in scale - we're talking a proper forest walk rather than a day-long expedition. Ancient oaks and beech trees create decent canopy cover, and there are enough paths threading through to keep you occupied for an hour or so. The ground can be muddy after rain, which is worth knowing if you're bringing young kids.

It suits walkers more than casual strollers. You won't find visitor facilities or interpretation boards, so come prepared with decent footwear and, frankly, a sense of purpose. The trees are the whole point here - no playground, no cafe, no car park that's particularly obvious. That's refreshing, actually.

From Northampton, it's close enough for a morning outing if you're based at Lakeview Glamping or Covert Farm. Combine it with a wander around the town centre if you want more variety in your day. Autumn and winter are best - visibility is better once the leaves drop, and the woodland floor is properly carpeted with colour in October.