Causeway Wood

Walking into Causeway Wood feels like stepping back in time. This Shropshire forest sits just a couple of miles from Shrewsbury, yet it's dense enough to make you forget the town exists at all. The woodland trails wind through mature trees with a proper carpet of leaves underfoot - the sort of place where you actually hear birdsong rather than traffic.

It's best for people who want a genuine forest walk without faffing about on manicured paths. Families with younger kids might find it a bit relentless if they're hoping for picnic spots or obvious viewpoints, though older children who enjoy exploring will get hours out of it. The paths aren't signposted to death, which is either brilliant or slightly annoying depending on your navigation skills.

Access appears to be free, and there's no obvious time restriction, so you can rock up whenever suits. Allow a couple of hours if you're doing a proper circuit rather than a quick twenty-minute stroll. Spring Field Dark Skies Eco Camp is a short drive away if you're basing yourself locally - proper good spot for stargazing. Mill Farm Holiday Park and Lower Hill Campsite are similarly close, making Causeway Wood an excellent excuse to get out of the tent or caravan without driving for ages.

Go when there's been decent rain - the woodland floor becomes properly atmospheric. Summer midges can be fierce, so pack insect repellent if you're visiting June through August.