Anker Wood

A proper woodland walk rather than a formal attraction - Anker Wood sits just outside Atherstone and delivers exactly what you'd hope for from a nature reserve in this part of Leicestershire. Mature broadleaf trees dominate the site, with footpaths threading through enough to keep you occupied for an hour or so, depending on pace and how often you stop to listen for birds.

Walkers will find it straightforward enough, though the paths can get muddy after rain - nothing dramatic, just the usual woodland conditions. Spring and early summer are when it comes alive properly; winter's fine if you're after solitude, but the autumn colours are genuinely worth timing a visit around. The reserve isn't massive, so don't expect to spend half a day here, but combined with a stay at one of the nearby caravan parks like Atherstone Stables or Bosworth Lakeside Lodges, it makes a sensible morning outing or post-lunch ramble.

Families with young children might find it a touch limited - there's not much of the wow factor that keeps kids engaged - but if you're the sort who actually enjoys being among trees and spotting wildlife, you'll rate it. Free to access as far as we can tell, and parking should be straightforward. The nearest formal facilities are back in Atherstone itself, so plan accordingly. It's the kind of place that rewards those who aren't after a big production, just a quiet walk among proper woodland.