Northey Wood

A proper woodland walk through Essex countryside, Northey Wood sits east of Dunmow and gives you the kind of forest experience you don't always expect from this corner of England. The paths wind through mixed woodland - nothing too dramatic, but genuinely peaceful if you time it right and dodge the weekend crowds.

It's the sort of place where walkers will spend a solid hour or two without feeling rushed, families can let kids run ahead on the main tracks, and anyone after a bit of peace will find it. The woodland floor changes with the seasons, which makes returning worthwhile. Summer gets busy; autumn and early spring feel far more rewarding.

No facilities to speak of, so come prepared - bring water and don't rely on phone signal being decent. There's no admission charge, which is refreshing, though the paths can get muddy after rain so decent boots matter. Allow two hours if you're taking it leisurely, less if you're just after a quick ramble.

If you're based at Dairymeade Farm Glamping or Hidden Gem Glamping - both excellent spots just five or six miles away - Northey Wood makes an easy morning or afternoon detour. It's not a destination in itself, but combined with the surrounding area and a night under canvas at one of those two parks, it rounds out a proper Essex break nicely. Worth fitting in, though don't expect anything showy.