Studholmes Plantation

Deep woodland stretches quiet and cool just outside Carlisle - that's Studholmes Plantation, a proper forest walk rather than a manicured attraction. You're in among tall conifers and the occasional clearing where light breaks through. There's something calming about it, especially if you've spent the morning navigating the city.

Walkers get the most from this one. The paths wind through the trees without much fanfare - no interpretation boards, no cafe, just forest and birdsong. You can amble for an hour or push for two depending on which routes you take. It's the sort of place where you notice things: a carpet of needles underfoot, the smell of resin, maybe a roe deer if you're lucky and quiet enough.

This works well if you're based at Thornfield Camping Cabins down the road - five miles away and worth the short drive. After a morning splashing in hot tubs, a walk through the trees clears the head nicely. Kids under eight might find it dull once the novelty of "being in the woods" wears off, but teenagers and proper walkers will appreciate the lack of crowds.

Bring decent shoes - the forest floor gets boggy in places. Go when it's dry, or when frost has hardened things up. There's no charge and no obvious opening hours, which means it's genuinely yours whenever you show up.