Square Wood

A proper woodland walk rather than a destination in itself, Square Wood sits just outside St Albans and delivers exactly what it promises - a dense patch of mixed woodland where you can lose the afternoon without much fanfare. The trees here are substantial, the paths are well-trodden, and there's a genuine sense of being tucked away from the suburbs even though you're minutes from the town.

Walkers will appreciate the network of routes threading through the forest, though don't expect dramatic vistas or dramatic elevation changes. What you get instead is that reliable, meditative quality of being among proper old trees - oak, beech, hornbeam. It's the sort of place where you'll spot a decent selection of woodland birds if you're quiet enough, and the ground is typically soft underfoot even after rain.

Historyless in terms of heritage attractions, but that's rather the point. No interpretation boards, no visitor centre, no entrance fee. Just woodland. Families with younger children might find it a bit samey after 45 minutes or so, but serious walkers doing a longer route through the St Albans area will find it a solid section of their day. Late spring and autumn are when the light through the canopy works best photographically.

It makes a logical add-on if you're staying at Fuzzy's Farm six miles away - break up a park holiday with a proper forest walk rather than treating it as the main event. Allow an hour to 90 minutes depending on your route and pace.