Combend

The Forest of Dean sprawls across this corner of Gloucestershire, and Combend is one of its quieter pockets - a proper wooded retreat that most visitors heading to Cheltenham completely miss. There's no visitor centre or cafe, which is precisely the point. You get ancient woodland, walking trails that meander through beech and oak, and the occasional glimpse of deer if you're lucky enough and quiet enough.

It's the kind of place walkers genuinely enjoy. The trails vary from gentle forest strolls to more demanding routes, so families with younger children should manage the easier paths without too much fuss. Allow two to three hours if you want to do it properly rather than just a quick loop. Spring and early autumn are best - summer can get muggy under all that canopy, and winter muddy paths test your commitment.

Combend works well as a break between coastal walks or as a morning outing if you're based at Mayfield Park or the Cirencester site. Neither campsite is far away, so it's an easy slot into a wider holiday. The nearest proper facilities are back towards Cheltenham, about 20 minutes away, so come prepared - water bottle, decent shoes, and probably a snack.

Don't expect anything manicured or Instagram-friendly. If you want forest without the crowds or the gift shop, this delivers. The absence of information boards is actually refreshing - just follow the paths and enjoy being properly lost for a bit.