The Rookery

Ancient woodlands near Stevenage that feel properly cut off from the rest of Hertfordshire. The Rookery is a working forest rather than a manicured park, which means you get the real thing - tangled undergrowth, proper old trees, and actual wildlife rather than a twee interpretation of nature.

Walking here is straightforward enough. There are established paths threading through the woodland, though after rain they get boggy in places. You'll spot veteran oaks and the occasional rook - hence the name - though calling it a spectacle would be overselling it. It's more about the walk itself than a specific landmark to tick off.

Walkers will find this rewarding. It's the sort of place where you can actually lose track of time and forget you're still in the south-east. Families with older children will manage fine; younger ones might find it a bit samey after forty minutes unless you're really keen on spotting birds. Allow two to three hours for a decent circuit.

The forest works well as a morning outing from either Church Farm Ardeley or Almshoe Glamping - both within easy striking distance. Winter's actually the better time to visit when the canopy's thinner and you can see further into the woodland. Summer turns it into a mosquito-infested swamp.

Free to access, no facilities on site. Bring sensible footwear and a map - phone signal's patchy.