Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire

Hatfield Forest National Nature Reserve is the best surviving example in Britain of an almost complete royal hunting forest. It has seen many owners, from kings to commoners. Today it is home to over 3,500 species of wildlife and ancient trees, some of which are more than 1000 years old, providing the perfect habitat for some of the Forest's rarest insects, lichens and fungi.

A delightful piece of late Elizabethan playfulness, built for banquets and converted into a mill in the 19th century. Bourne Mills is set in tranquil grounds, still with its own working waterwheel and now offers guided experiences between April and October.

Paycocke's is a stunning Tudor merchant's house whose walls have more than a few stories to tell. Book a guided experience of the house and explore the stories of the people who shaped this special place in the heart of Coggeshall. Then take in the delightful cottage garden and enjoy a tea, coffee or delicious cake in the tea room.

If walls could talk this house would have more than a few stories to tell. Join a guided tour of Shaw’s Corner and learn more about its eccentric owner, playwright, George Bernard Shaw and his fascinating collection. The garden is also worth exploring, look out for Shaw's revolving writing hut, where he wrote some of his most famous work.

Dunstable Downs is within the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is the highest point in Bedfordshire. From here you can look down on a breathtaking landscape, sculpted over time, decorated by nature and enjoyed by generations. From here there are miles of footpaths across the chalk grasslands to explore.

Ashridge Estate is a 5,000 acre area of the Chiltern Hills with beech and oak woodlands, commons and chalk downlands. These very different landscapes each support a rich variety of wildlife, including rare butterflies in the summer. Keep your eyes peeled on your next visit.

It's a wonderful time of the year to be outdoors with the family. Why not pick up an Active Explorers pack from Ashridge Estate? Dunstable Downs is the highest point in Bedfordshire and therefore the best spot for kite flying. Alternatively, ask your kids to create their own mini adventure at Hatfield Forest.

If you're after a short stroll or a long ramble, here are some walks you might like to try in Essex, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire. Whether you enjoy woodland walks or wide open spaces where you can enjoy the view, we'd recommend pulling on those walking boots and trying this series of walks that bring new interest with the changing seasons.