Collinpark Wood

Walking into Collinpark Wood near Newent feels like stepping through a proper green door. The forest is dense in parts, with mature trees creating a canopy that keeps things cool even on warmer days. You're looking at woodland trails rather than manicured paths - there's a real sense of being in actual working forest here, not a theme park version of nature.

It's the sort of place walkers will get genuine pleasure from, especially if you've got half a day to kill between other activities in the area. Kids tend to enjoy it too, though they'll probably only last 60 to 90 minutes before demanding hot chocolate. Bring proper footwear - the ground gets boggy in patches after rain, and tree roots cross the trails in places that'll catch you out.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Pelerine is practically on your doorstep at just over a mile away, while Haywood Farm and the glamping sites at Darnells' Farm, Cwtch Cabins, or Up Sticks offer a slightly longer drive - Collinpark makes for an easy add-on to your itinerary. It's free to access and there's no time pressure, which is rather nice. You won't need more than a couple of hours, and it works best in spring when the woodland floor does something interesting, or autumn when the light filtering through properly justifies the walk.