Wigney Wood

You'll find Wigney Wood just east of Royston, a proper bit of Essex woodland that doesn't make it onto many tourist itineraries - which is exactly why it's worth knowing about. The forest is intimate rather than vast, with well-trodden paths that wind through mature trees and patches of undergrowth that look genuinely wild. Bring a pair of decent boots; the ground gets muddy, especially after rain.

This is the sort of place where dog walkers and local ramblers outnumber casual visitors. Kids under eight will probably get restless after an hour, but families with older children who actually want to explore rather than be entertained will find it does the job nicely. You might spot woodland birds and the occasional deer if you're quiet about it, though don't expect a nature documentary moment.

The forest works best as a half-morning detour if you're based at Pightle Farm Campsite, just 3.4 miles away. It's free to walk through, though there's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of - bring water and a snack if you're planning anything longer than a quick circuit. The nearest proper amenities are back in Royston itself, which is handy for a coffee afterwards.

Worth the visit? Only if you're already in the area and fancy stretching your legs among the trees. It's not destination-worthy on its own, but it breaks up a park holiday nicely and beats sitting in a field all day.