Cowley's Copse

Walk into Cowley's Copse and you're immediately wrapped in proper Cotswolds woodland - the kind of place where the light filters through in columns and the undergrowth is thick enough that you feel properly away from things. It's a forest rather than manicured parkland, which means uneven paths, roots to watch for, and the genuine smell of leaf mould and damp earth.

The copse sits just outside Chipping Norton, making it an easy escape if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks. Bluewood Lodges is only four miles away if you fancy returning to a hot tub, while Cotswold Hills Country Park offers a different angle on woodland breaks altogether. Even the caravan club site at Chipping Norton is less than five miles off, so this works as a morning walk before you head elsewhere.

It's ideal for anyone who wants to stretch their legs without committing to a full-day hike. You won't need more than an hour or so unless you're the type to stop and identify every tree. Families with young kids will find it manageable, though the uneven terrain means toddlers might struggle. Walkers and anyone after a quiet woodland moment will appreciate it more - there's no visitor centre, no facilities, just trees and the occasional sound of birds.

Bring decent shoes. It can be muddy even days after rain, and the path isn't always obvious. Go on a weekday morning if you want the place to yourself.