Peel Wood

Peel Wood sits just outside Cockermouth and gives you proper forest walking without the effort of heading deep into the Lake District fells. It's a straightforward mixed woodland - the kind of place where you can spend two hours pottering about or just half an hour if the weather turns. The trees are tall enough to feel like you've escaped, but the paths are well-trodden and easy underfoot, which matters when you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks.

Walkers and families with younger kids will get the most from this. It's not dramatic or wildly scenic - don't expect views of Skiddaw or anything like that - but it's the sort of place where children can actually move about without losing sight of you. The woodland itself is quiet, which some find restful and others find a bit dull depending on what you're after.

The nearest proper base is Cockermouth, just a few miles away, so if you're camping at Castle Guards Farm Retreat or Skiddaw View Holiday Park, you've got something on the doorstep. It works well as a rainy-day filler or a gentle morning walk before heading elsewhere. The forest is free to access, though specific opening hours aren't publicly listed - it's the kind of place you can usually wander into most of the day. Allow 90 minutes to two hours if you want to see what's there without rushing.