Park Wood

Ancient woodland stretches across this corner of Kent, just a short drive from Canterbury's cathedral spires. Park Wood is proper old-growth forest - the kind where sunlight filters through a canopy that's been here for centuries. Bluebells carpet the floor in spring, while autumn brings that satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot.

Dog walkers will love the network of footpaths that wind through oak and beech trees, though keep them on leads during bird nesting season. Families with young children might find the terrain a bit uneven in places, but older kids who enjoy a proper woodland adventure will have a field day building dens and spotting wildlife.

The silence here is remarkable - you're close enough to civilization but far enough to forget about it completely. Perfect for clearing your head after a morning exploring Canterbury's tourist crowds.

From the nearby holiday parks around Bearsted and Dymchurch, this makes an excellent free day out when the weather's decent. Allow a couple of hours if you're planning to explore properly, though you could easily spend longer if you're the type who enjoys just sitting and listening to the birds. Pack a thermos - there's nowhere to grab refreshments once you're in the trees.