Scarlet Oak Plantation

The scarlet oaks here are the real draw - a proper stand of them, blazing red come autumn if you time it right. It's a small woodland patch in Bracknell Forest, nothing massive, but if you're staying at one of the caravan parks around Chertsey, it's worth a detour for an hour's walk among the trees.

You won't find much in the way of facilities or marked trails, so come prepared for a bit of wandering. Wear decent boots if it's been wet - the ground gets boggy. The trees themselves are lovely year-round, though spring brings decent woodland flowers and autumn is when those scarlet oaks really justify their name. Most people spend 45 minutes to an hour here, depending on how much you fancy exploring the quieter corners.

It's the sort of place that works well for families after a morning at a nearby park - Warfield Park and Weybridge Park Estates are both within reasonable striking distance if you're basing yourselves at Chertsey Caravan Park or Chertsey Camping and Caravanning Club Site. The kids won't be climbing adventure play equipment, but they'll enjoy spotting wildlife and burning off energy on the softer paths.

Bring a camera if the light's good. Don't expect information boards or visitor facilities - this is proper woodland, not a themed attraction. Free access as far as we could tell, which makes it a decent use of a couple of hours when the weather cooperates.