Ford's Folly

Ford's Folly is a proper woodland walk on the outskirts of Salisbury, and it's the sort of place locals know about but visitors often miss. The forest floor here is thick with beech and oak, and in autumn the canopy turns the whole thing into shades of copper and gold. It's not vast - you're looking at a couple of hours maximum if you're dawdling - but it's genuine forest, not a manicured country park.

The main appeal is straightforward: you get proper woodland walking without having to venture deep into the New Forest. There are paths that loop through without much elevation, making it decent for families with younger legs, though older kids will find it more interesting than a flat stroll. History types might appreciate that the name itself hints at some agricultural or architectural oddity from centuries past, though the forest has reclaimed most evidence of what Ford actually was.

Access and facilities are basic - this is working woodland rather than a visitor attraction with cafes and car parks, so check locally in Salisbury before you set out. It's the sort of stop that works well if you're camping at Salisbury Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Coombe Caravan Park nearby, rather than something you'd drive across the county for. Wet weather turns the paths muddy, so boots are essential. Spring brings bluebells, which makes it worth a specific trip if you're in the area mid-April. Worth the detour if you're based locally, but not a reason to choose Wiltshire on its own.