Wick Wood

Wick Wood is a proper forest walk just outside Bethersden in Kent - the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think instead of the usual theme park racket. Ancient woodland with plenty of mature trees and enough paths to keep you occupied for a solid hour or two, depending on how many times you stop to check your bearings.

The appeal here is straightforward: it's green, reasonably quiet, and if you time it right (autumn is particularly decent), you get that foresty atmosphere without needing to travel halfway across the country. The woodland floor changes depending on the season - proper carpet of leaves in October, muddy as anything come January. Bring decent boots.

It's ideal for family walks where the kids actually want to go exploring rather than just trudge along moaning. Older children who've got a bit of independence will find it engaging; toddlers might struggle with the uneven terrain. Dog walkers clearly rate it, and you'll spot the odd horse too.

If you're staying at Wheatfields Luxury Glamping nearby - which is only six miles away - Wick Wood makes an easy addition to your itinerary. It's the kind of place you wouldn't plan a trip around alone, but absolutely slot it in if you're in the area. Free to access, no facilities onsite, so sort yourself out in Bethersden before you go. Allow two hours maximum unless you're the type who gets genuinely lost in a forest.