The Holt

The Holt is proper woodland - Norfolk at its most straightforward. You get mature trees, a scattering of footpaths, and the kind of quiet that actually means something when you're coming from anywhere else. East of Ely, it's the sort of place locals walk without thinking much about it, which is exactly when a wood works best.

What's here is honestly what you see: trails through broadleaf forest, a few clearings, decent air. No themed attractions, no cafe serving overpriced soup. If you're after a proper walk rather than a stroll, The Holt delivers. Families with kids who'll happily kick about in leaf litter get real value; teenagers will find it dull within twenty minutes unless they're the outdoor type. History enthusiasts won't find much to grab onto. Photographers might catch something decent on a misty morning.

Allow a couple of hours if you're doing a decent loop. There's no entrance fee that I'm aware of, though facilities are minimal. Autumn's the obvious choice - the light through the canopy is worth timing your visit for. Spring works too if you don't mind mud.

It sits handily near Westerby Farm Camping and Glamping, six miles away, which makes it a logical add-on to a Norfolk park holiday rather than a destination in itself. Combine it with a proper walk around Ely's cathedral town - twenty minutes' drive - and you've got a solid day. The Holt is the warm-up act, not the headline.