Thirlmere Wood

A proper woodland walk just east of Stevenage, Thirlmere Wood offers the kind of forest floor experience that feels a world away from Hertfordshire's commuter belt. The trees here are tall enough to make you forget the A1(M) exists somewhere nearby, and the paths wind through decent stretches of established woodland - the sort of place where you might actually spot a deer if you're quiet enough.

It's best suited to families wanting a straightforward forest ramble rather than anything more ambitious. Most people will comfortably fill an hour or so here, though you could easily stretch it to ninety minutes if you're the type to stop and examine every moss-covered log. The woodland floor stays reasonably dry even after rain, which is a genuine bonus.

If you're staying at Jacks Hill Caravans or Baldock Park Homes - both just a few miles west - this makes an easy afternoon detour. It won't blow your mind, but it's solid woodland walking without needing to venture into the deeper Chilterns. No facilities to speak of, so bring water and don't expect coffee vans or car park attendants. The bonus is that means it stays quiet and genuinely feels like a proper escape rather than a managed tourist attraction. Decent if you've got half a day to kill between other activities, but not worth the drive on its own if you're coming from further afield.