Formby Wood

The pines here are tall and old, and they crowd out most of the sky. Formby Wood near Southport is a proper woodland walk - red squirrels live among the trees, which is the main draw for most visitors. You won't find grand vistas or manicured paths; this is a working forest with a genuine wild edge to it.

The woodland is manageable for families with older kids and decent stamina. Little ones might find it a bit samey after twenty minutes - it's trees, more trees, and occasionally a glimpse of a red squirrel if you're lucky. Adults who like spotting wildlife will get more from it. Walkers appreciate the network of trails that wind through without too much drama underfoot.

Give yourself an hour to ninety minutes to do it justice. Early morning or late afternoon are your best bets for squirrel spotting - they're more active when it's cooler. It's free to wander, which is brilliant.

If you're based at Southport Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, Formby Wood works as a decent morning or afternoon leg-stretch rather than an all-day thing. The beach at Southport is close by as well, so you could easily combine woodland and coast in one outing. The forest itself is a bit exposed to Lancashire weather, so pick a dry day if you can.