Burnham Beeches

Just a five minute car-ride from Oakridge House, it is regarded as one of the best examples of ancient woodland in Britain. 600-acre Burnham Beeches is much older than its entry in the Domesday Book. The oldest tree - the Druid's Oak - is believed to be 800 years old; the average age of the pollarded beeches is around 400 years. Pollarding is the ancient practice of removing branches above head height before they grow so big that they destroy the trunk.

Acquired by the City of London in 1880 to stop it being developed for housing, Burnham Beeches attracts 500,000 visitors annually. But somehow it never feels busy. There's nothing finer than a brisk autumn walk punctuated by a welcome - and pretty decent -cup of coffee at the Beeches Cafe (with loos!).

Here you can discover the source of The Nile (really!); it flows just south of Egypt Woods. Look carefully and you'll also find three scheduled Ancient Monuments.

Autumn is the busiest season, when the foliage turns to vibrant reds and golds.

But every season brings its own high points; regular visits aren't just recommended - they're essential!