Ainsclough Covert

A proper woodland walk just outside Southport, Ainsclough Covert is the sort of place locals know but visitors often miss. The forest itself is modest - nothing like the sprawling Lake District forests - but it's useful if you're camped at Riverside Holiday Park or Leisure Lakes and want to stretch your legs without driving anywhere.

It's essentially a mix of mature trees and younger woodland, the kind of spot where you'll see dog walkers on weekends and find it almost empty on a Tuesday morning. The paths are straightforward enough, mostly flat, so it works for families with younger kids who aren't ready for proper hiking. Don't expect dramatic views or rare wildlife - it's a local amenity, not a destination.

The real appeal is how close it sits to the holiday parks dotted nearby. If you're staying at Four Seasons Glamping or one of the caravan sites around Southport, you could easily fit a couple of hours here into your routine. The forest isn't going to be the highlight of your break, but it'll do the job if the weather's decent and you fancy getting off the campsite.

There's limited information online about opening times or fees, so it's worth checking locally when you arrive. Go mid-week if you can - weekends bring enough foot traffic to make the peace somewhat illusory. Kids might manage an hour, maybe ninety minutes, depending on how they feel about trees and quiet.