National Trust - Petts Wood and Hawkwood

Petts Wood and Hawkwood is an open-access National Trust woodland near Chislehurst, with reviewers describing it as a large, tranquil area of mature trees and broad paths. It sounds more like a proper walk than a packaged attraction, with green, orange and red routes plus a separate farmland option. For families, the big win is that it’s straightforward, spacious and easy to tailor to your energy levels. The wide, fairly even paths should suit prams and less confident walkers better than many woods, and several reviewers mention how good it is for dog walking and relaxed strolls. The fact that it’s free is also doing a lot of heavy lifting here. The catch is that this is woodland, not a day out with facilities. Parking is on nearby roads, there’s no on-site car park mentioned, and the reviews say it gets very muddy in the rain. There’s also no mention of cafés, toilets, baby change or play equipment, so go prepared and don’t expect much beyond the trees.