Temple Grove

Walk into Temple Grove and you're immediately under a cathedral of old oak and beech - this isn't some tidy forestry plantation, but a proper ancient woodland east of Ipswich that feels properly wild. The trees are vast, gnarled things that have been here for centuries, and the floor is thick with leaf mould and moss underfoot. There are trails threading through, though they're not signposted with much fanfare, which actually adds to the appeal. You can spend two hours here or half a day depending on how deep you want to go.

It's the sort of place that suits walkers more than families with small children - younger kids might find it boring after an hour, and pushchairs will struggle on the uneven ground. If you're into photography or just want to escape the Suffolk flatlands for a bit, it's worth the detour. The light filtering through the canopy is particularly good in late afternoon.

Being free and needing no special kit, Temple Grove works perfectly alongside a stay at Wheathill, just a few miles away. Pop out for a woodland walk before heading back to the park for the facilities. Go in autumn or winter when the undergrowth is less dense and you can actually see further into the wood. Spring's decent too, though muddy. Summer is a bit thick with vegetation and insects.