Carey's Covert

A proper woodland walk through quiet Worcestershire countryside, Carey's Covert sits just outside Broadway and delivers exactly what you'd want from a forest visit - good paths, decent shade, and the kind of peace you won't find in the honeypot villages nearby.

It's a working woodland rather than a manicured park, which means it feels genuine. You get mature trees, open clearings, and enough variety to keep your legs moving for a solid hour or two without it feeling like a slog. The paths are manageable for families with older kids, though younger ones might struggle with the muddier sections after rain. Dogs love it here, which tells you something about how dog-friendly the routes are.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so come prepared - take water and check the weather before you go. Autumn's the standout season when the light filters through properly, though spring bluebells can be decent too. Summer gets a bit dense and closes in on you.

If you're based at one of the caravan parks around Broadway or Bourton-on-the-Water, this makes a cracking half-day alternative to tramping round the Cotswold high street again. It's free access and you can arrive early to avoid the afternoon crowds. Worth the 15-minute drive from Broadway for a proper leg stretch without the theatrical charm of the village itself.