Carr Wood

Thick woodland stretches across this corner of Lancashire, offering the kind of proper ramble that gets mud on your boots and clears your head. Carr Wood feels refreshingly wild compared to some of the more manicured country parks you'll find elsewhere - this is genuine forest walking where the paths can be a bit rough underfoot and you might actually lose mobile signal for a while.

Families with older children who don't mind a proper walk will get the most from it, though it's not really buggy-friendly terrain. The woodland canopy provides good shelter even on drizzly days, making it a reliable backup plan when the weather turns.

Expect to spend a couple of hours here if you're doing a decent circuit, though you could easily make it longer if you're keen on wildlife spotting or just fancy taking your time. Being so close to Ream, it works well as a morning activity before heading back to base at one of the nearby parks like Orchard Glamping or Gibsons Barn Caravan Park.

The lack of facilities means bringing your own water and snacks, but that's part of the appeal - this is proper countryside walking without the gift shop and cafe crowds. Just you, the trees, and whatever wildlife decides to show itself.