Oxhey Woods Sculpture Trail

You'll find yourself walking through proper woodland just outside Watford, following a trail that weaves between trees and opens onto a series of contemporary sculptures. They're scattered throughout the site without much fanfare - no grand installations or attention-seeking monuments, just thoughtful pieces that make you stop and look twice at how art sits within nature. The walk itself is the point. You're moving through ancient woodland, breathing in damp earth and leaf mould, and occasionally rounding a corner to discover something unexpected.

This works brilliantly if you're someone who walks anyway but fancies something a bit different from the standard ramble. Families with kids old enough to manage half an hour without moaning will get on fine - there's something about finding sculptures tucked into the trees that keeps them engaged. The trail isn't demanding, and you can easily turn back if energy runs low.

There's no entrance fee and no time limit, so you're free to potter about for as long as you fancy. Most people allow 45 minutes to an hour, though you could stretch it if you're the sort who sits on logs and thinks. Spring and early autumn are nicest - summer can get a bit stuffy under the canopy, and winter footpaths turn properly muddy.

If you're staying at North Hill Farm just up the road, this slots in well as a morning stroll before heading to wherever else Hertfordshire's got on offer. It's the kind of place that doesn't announce itself loudly, but that's rather the appeal.