Cow Hey Wood

The woodland around Cow Hey, just outside Shifnal, is proper pleasant if you're after a walk without too much fuss. It's the sort of place locals know and tourists miss - dense enough to feel like you're genuinely in the woods, but small enough that you won't spend the afternoon wondering if you're lost.

There's no visitor centre or café, which means it stays quiet. Bring your own snacks. The paths meander through broadleaf forest, muddy in winter and verdant come spring. Kids will enjoy scrambling about on fallen logs, though don't expect any facilities or marked trails - it's more of a "roam and discover" situation than a guided experience.

Honestly, this works best as part of a bigger day out. If you're staying at High Onn or Oakland - both solid options just a few miles away - Cow Hey Wood makes a natural stop-off rather than a destination in itself. Give it an hour, maybe ninety minutes, depending on how much the children want to poke about.

Go in autumn when the light filters through the canopy properly, or spring when there's enough space to breathe between the undergrowth. Summer can feel a bit dense and buggy. It's free to access, no parking issues, and the nearest town of Shifnal is close enough if you fancy a coffee afterwards.