The Gloucesters

The Gloucesters is a proper woodland walk just east of Royston, the sort of place you'd stumble upon by accident and be genuinely glad you did. It's not a manicured country estate or a tourist honeypot - just a slice of working Cambridgeshire forest where you can actually breathe and think without fighting crowds.

The trees here are mixed deciduous woodland, and depending on the season you'll get anything from bluebell carpets in spring to proper autumn colour that makes you understand why people bang on about walking in October. The paths are straightforward enough for families with younger kids, though they can get muddy after rain so decent boots matter. You're looking at anywhere from 30 minutes for a gentle loop to a couple of hours if you fancy exploring properly.

It works brilliantly as a break during a park holiday - if you're staying at Guilden Gate Glamping just down the road, this gives you an actual forest without leaving Cambridgeshire. Walkers and nature types will get more from it than thrill-seekers; there's no playground or facilities to speak of, which is rather the point. Go early on a weekday if you can, especially in summer, because word's clearly out among locals.

Access appears to be free, though it's worth checking locally before you head out. The nearest town, Royston, is only a few miles away if you need supplies or a proper cup of tea afterwards.