Big Wood

The woodland around Melksham isn't vast, but Big Wood delivers what it promises - a proper stretch of mature forest where you can actually lose the sound of traffic. The canopy's thick enough that even on grey Wiltshire days it feels properly sheltered, with dappled light filtering through beech and oak. You'll find decent walking paths winding through, ranging from gentle loops to longer stretches that'll take the best part of an afternoon.

It's the sort of place families with young kids will manage fine for an hour or so - the paths are well-trodden and nowhere's particularly steep. Older walkers and anyone who actually enjoys being among trees rather than just photographing them will get more from it. The real draw is the peace. No visitor centre, no admission fee nonsense, just forest doing what forest does.

Situated just outside Melksham, Big Wood works well as a half-day stop between the holiday parks dotted around - Devizes Camping and Caravanning Club Site is only two miles away, making it an easy leg stretch after arrival. Mill Farm Glamping at 3.4 miles is close enough for an evening walk without faffing about. The wood itself is free to access and you can turn up whenever you like, though spring and early autumn give you the best light and the fewest midges. Allow between 45 minutes for a quick potter or a solid two hours if you're the type who actually stops to look at things.