Chilton Larches

Walking into Chilton Larches feels like stepping into someone's well-kept secret. This small woodland sits just outside Shrewsbury, a proper escape if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Love2Stay or Condover Park. The forest is dominated by larch trees - hence the name - which give it a distinctive character, especially in autumn when they turn that gorgeous copper-gold before shedding. It's not massive, and that's rather the point. You won't find visitor centres or waymarked trails here, just woodland paths that reward a bit of wandering.

The appeal depends entirely on what you want from a wood. If you're after dramatic vistas or dramatic anything, frankly, look elsewhere. But if you need somewhere to decompress for an hour or so, to let kids burn off energy among the trees, or simply to remember what a proper forest floor smells like, this does the job quietly. Dog walkers particularly appreciate it - there's space to roam without the crowds you'd hit at bigger attractions.

From Shrewsbury, it's within striking distance of several parks in the area, making it a decent diversion during a longer caravan-based stay. Spring Field Dark Skies Eco Camp and Stoney Acres are both close enough that combining this with another activity makes sense. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're slow walkers. Go mid-week if possible. The larch woodland is loveliest in late September through October, though it's pleasant enough year-round if you don't mind mud.