The Jubilee

The Jubilee is a proper woodland walk just outside Stamford, the sort of place where you can lose an hour without realising you've done it. It's an ancient forest - the trees here have been around longer than most of us will manage - and that age shows in the density of the canopy and the way the light filters through in summer.

Walking the paths you'll spot mature oak and ash, plenty of undergrowth for wildlife spotting, and the kind of quiet that actually feels loud after spending time in town. There's no visitor centre or café, no gift shop - it's just woodland being woodland. That's rather the point. In spring the forest floor comes alive with bluebells. Autumn brings the colour and the mushrooms. Winter strips it back to bones and sky.

This is squarely walker territory, though the paths are manageable enough for families with older kids. Little ones might find an hour's worth of entertainment before getting restless. Bring binoculars if you're into birds; bring a picnic if you want to make a proper afternoon of it.

If you're staying at Stamford Meadows Glamping nearby, this works as a morning sortie before heading into Stamford town centre for lunch. Free to access and no time constraints - arrive when the light's good rather than rushing between opening hours. Early morning is best if you want to see or hear much wildlife.