Parham Wood

Ancient oaks tower overhead as you wander through this proper working woodland just outside Wickham Market. Parham Wood feels like stepping into a Brothers Grimm tale - all dappled sunlight filtering through dense canopy and the occasional crack of a branch underfoot. You won't find manicured paths or visitor centres here. This is Suffolk countryside at its most authentic, where dog walkers and families seeking a proper ramble will find exactly what they're after. The wood stretches for a good mile in places, offering enough variety to keep children interested without being so vast they'll start complaining. Early morning visits are particularly rewarding when mist still clings to the lower branches and birdsong fills the silence. Families staying at nearby Carlton Meres Holiday Park or the camping spots around Wickham Market will find this makes for a perfect afternoon escape from the caravan. Pack a flask and some biscuits - there are enough fallen logs to serve as impromptu picnic spots. The lack of formal facilities means it's completely free to explore, though you'll want decent walking boots if it's been wet. Allow a couple of hours to do it justice, longer if the kids fancy building dens from fallen branches.