Barber's Coppice

You'll find Barber's Coppice just outside Coventry - a proper woodland walk rather than a manicured attraction, which is exactly why it works. The forest offers winding paths through mixed trees, and it's the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think. There's something satisfying about getting properly lost in here, even if you're only a few miles from the city.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not dramatic or massive, but it's genuine countryside, and the paths are well-used enough that you won't go wrong. Families with older kids who can manage uneven ground will enjoy it more than those with pushchairs - there are tree roots and muddy patches. Allow an hour to ninety minutes if you want to properly explore without rushing.

What you're really doing here is decompressing. There's no visitor centre, no gift shop, no stage management. Just trees, space, and a bit of fresh air. It's free, as woodland walks should be.

If you're staying at Somers Wood Caravan Park or Gate Farm - both excellent spots less than four miles away - Barber's Coppice makes an easy morning or afternoon detour. Don't expect drama or views that'll stop your heart, but do expect to feel like you've escaped for a bit. It's honest work, and it does what it says on the tin.