Shrubb's Wood

The woods around Tring don't make the postcards, but they're proper walking country if you know where to look. Shrubb's Wood is exactly that sort of place - a working forest rather than a prettified country estate, all mature beech and oak with the kind of ground cover that crunches underfoot even in summer. You'll find decent paths through it, though they're not signposted like some of the honeypot sites nearby. It's the sort of wood where you actually see wildlife because there aren't crowds. Squirrels, pheasants, the occasional deer if you're up early enough.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a destination in itself - more a solid two-hour outing from Hill Farm Camping or Norcott Campsite, both within easy reach if you're based around Tring. The paths thread through properly, and there's genuine forest rather than managed parkland, which appeals if you're after the real thing. Families with young kids might find it a bit muddy and featureless compared to somewhere with a café or visitor centre, but if they're the type to potter about turning over logs and collecting sticks, they'll be occupied for ages.

I'd allow a couple of hours minimum if you're going to do it justice. There's no admission charge or facilities that I can find - it's genuinely free access. The real pull is that it sits in decent walking country around the Chilterns, so you can string together a proper day on foot. Worth the detour if you're camping locally and want to avoid the polished attractions.