Churchhill Wood

Ancient woodland where the trees have been standing longer than most of us will live - that's Churchhill Wood near Dursley. It's proper old-growth forest, the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think instead of being bombarded with manufactured attractions. You're walking through beech and oak that have survived centuries, dappled light filtering through canopy that makes everything feel a bit cathedral-like without the admission fee.

Walkers will have the most of it. There are decent paths threading through, nothing too demanding but proper enough to feel like a real walk rather than a stroll round a park. Families with older kids do well here too - younger ones might find it a bit samey after half an hour unless they're the type to stop and turn over logs looking for beetles. Bring wellies in winter; it gets muddy as anywhere.

No car parks, gift shops or cafes to speak of - you'll need to sort your provisions in Dursley before heading out. That's actually part of the appeal. Allow a couple of hours maximum depending on fitness, though you could easily stretch it with a picnic.

Camp nearby at Pepper Pot (3.9 miles away, solid 4.8 rating) or push for Wixoldbury Farm's glamping (5.6 miles, 5 stars) and make this a proper woodland day trip. It's the sort of walk that reminds you why people loved forests before theme parks existed.