Booth-Hall Wood

Ancient oak trees tower overhead as you follow the winding paths through this lovely stretch of Staffordshire woodland. Just a short drive from Stoke-on-Trent, Booth-Hall Wood offers proper forest walking without the crowds you'll find at more famous spots.

Families with young children will appreciate the relatively flat terrain and well-maintained tracks that snake between mature deciduous trees. The canopy provides welcome shade during summer months, though autumn brings the real spectacle when the leaves turn brilliant gold and russet. Dog walkers seem to have claimed this as their territory - hardly surprising given the network of interconnecting trails.

Expect to spend about an hour here for a leisurely circuit, though keen walkers could easily stretch that to two hours by exploring the quieter corners. The wood feels genuinely peaceful, with only birdsong and the crunch of leaves underfoot for company.

It's well worth combining with a stay at nearby holiday parks like Springfields Countryside or Alton camping sites, both within a few miles. The wood makes for an ideal morning constitutional before heading to bigger attractions like Alton Towers, or simply as a gentle afternoon escape when the kids need to burn off energy. Not spectacular, but reliably satisfying woodland walking that won't disappoint.