Spuckles & Kennelling Woods

Deep woodland where the canopy does most of the talking. Spuckles & Kennelling Woods is proper forest - the kind where you lose the sound of the outside world about fifty metres in. Dense trees, decent paths, and enough space to walk without feeling like you're in a queue.

It's walkers' territory, really. Families with young kids might manage a loop if the paths are dry, but it's not a playground kind of place. What you get is solitude and shade, particularly good in summer when everywhere else is rammed with tourists. The woods themselves are straightforward - no visitor centre, no café, just trees and footpaths. That's rather the point.

Allow an hour minimum if you're just poking about. Two hours if you want to actually explore. No charge that we can find, and it's the sort of place where you turn up when you like. Early morning is your best bet for wildlife - the afternoon draws dog walkers and runners.

Located in Kent, it works well as a walking break if you're based at nearby Painters Farm Camping Site. That five-star spot is only four and a half miles away, so it's a realistic morning or late-afternoon wander from base camp. Good for stretching legs between other plans. Not somewhere you'd drive an hour out of your way for, but absolutely worth the detour if you're in the area and fancy proper woodland rather than manicured countryside.