Baker's Gorse

Baker's Gorse is a proper woodland walk tucked away near Malmesbury in Wiltshire - the sort of place locals know about but most visitors miss entirely. It's a working forest with decent footpaths threading through beech and oak, offering a quiet hour or so away from the tourist crowds that clog up the bigger attractions nearby.

What you get here is straightforward: woodland paths, a bit of fresh air, and the chance to spot wildlife if you're lucky. There are clearings where you can actually see sky again, and in spring the floor gets carpeted with bluebells. The paths are muddy when wet - wellies essential - but they're well-trodden enough that you won't get properly lost. Most people spend between 45 minutes and two hours here depending on how many wrong turns you take.

It's excellent for families with kids who actually enjoy walking rather than screaming for ice cream every five minutes. Serious hikers might find it a touch tame, but if you're staying at Burton Hill Caravan & Camping Park or the glamping at Whychurch Farm - both within three miles - it's a brilliant way to burn an hour without needing to plan much. Free to access, no facilities on site, and you'll want proper shoes rather than trainers.

Go mid-week if possible. Weekends bring out the dog walkers and it loses some of its appeal. The forest is worth the detour if woodland walks appeal to you; skip it if you're the type who needs a visitor centre and a gift shop.