Foxbury Wood

You'll find Foxbury Wood a few miles outside Chippenham, a proper stretch of woodland that feels properly removed from the town despite being close enough for an afternoon visit. The forest floor is thick with beech and oak, the kind of place where light filters through in dusty shafts and you can actually hear yourself think.

It's walkers' territory, really. There are paths winding through, nothing too demanding, and the woodland canopy does brilliant work on hot days. Spring brings bluebells if you time it right. The real draw here is the quiet - you won't find crowds or facilities, just trees and the occasional sound of birds.

If you're staying at Mill Farm Glamping nearby, this is your doorstep walk without needing the car. An hour will do it comfortably, though you could stretch it to two if you're in no rush. Kids will either love it or get bored fast depending on whether they're the type to build stick camps or prefer playgrounds.

There's no visitor centre or facilities I'm aware of, so bring what you need. The woodland changes throughout the year - autumn's probably the most visually interesting, when the beech turns proper copper. It's not a destination in itself, but it's genuine woodland and worth knowing about if you're spending a holiday in Wiltshire. Free access, just pick a dry day because it can get muddy.