Springs Wood

Proper woodland this, with paths that wind through dense tree cover just outside Kendal. Springs Wood feels like the kind of place locals know about but tourists miss, which makes it all the better. The forest floor is thick with moss and fallen leaves, and the air gets noticeably cooler once you're under the canopy - even on warm days it's refreshing.

It's ideal for a couple of hours if you're based at either of the two Kendal caravan sites nearby. The walking is straightforward enough for families with older kids, though the paths can be muddy after rain, so decent boots matter. There's something satisfying about a proper forest walk that doesn't demand a full day or require navigation apps - you can amble through, spot birds, breathe properly.

The wood works best as a morning outing before heading into Kendal proper, or as a leg-stretcher on your first or last day at Kendal Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or the Camping and Caravanning Club Site. It's free to access, which helps, and you won't find crowds here like you might at the showier Lake District spots. Don't expect dramatic views or rare specimens - this is just a solid bit of English woodland where you can clear your head. Worth the detour if you're camped locally and fancy something low-key.