Canisland Wood

A proper woodland walk through mixed deciduous and coniferous forest, Canisland Wood sits just inland from the Gower Peninsula near Swansea. It's the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for - tree-lined paths that wind through the canopy with occasional glimpses back towards the coast if you know where to look.

The wood itself isn't vast, so you're looking at anything from a quick 20-minute stroll to a couple of hours if you're the type who stops to examine every fern. The forest floor is well-trodden but never feels crowded, even on weekends. Walkers get the most from this one, particularly those doing a longer ramble across the Gower - it slots nicely into a bigger day out rather than being a destination in itself.

Bringing kids? They'll enjoy pottering about for a bit, but it won't hold their attention all afternoon. The appeal is straightforward: trees, shade, fresh air, the odd bird call. No playground equipment, no visitor centre, no frills.

If you're staying at Three Cliffs Bay Holiday Park or any of the other caravan sites dotted around Llanrhidian and Oxwich, Canisland Wood makes for an easy morning escape when the weather turns grey - which, let's be honest, it will. It's free to access and open year-round. Best visited in autumn when the light filters through properly, or spring when the undergrowth comes alive. Summer can feel a bit gloomy under the dense canopy.