Foxholes Covert

Deep woodland near Burton-on-Trent, Foxholes Covert is the kind of place you stumble upon while walking the Staffordshire countryside rather than deliberately seek out. It's a proper forest - dense, quiet, the sort where you can actually hear yourself think. The paths wind through mature trees, and if you time it right in spring, the light filters through in that particular green way that makes you forget about traffic noise and work emails.

Walkers will get the most out of this one. It's not a destination with facilities or marked trails, so come with decent boots and a rough sense of where you're heading. The covert sits in the broader agricultural landscape east of Burton, making it a natural waypoint on longer rambles rather than a standalone trip. Families with restless kids might find it a bit too understated - there's nothing showy about it, no information boards or obvious focal points. But if you've got teenagers who actually enjoy walking, or you're the type who prefers forests without the bustle, this does the job.

If you're staying at Lane Tree Hideaways nearby, it's worth a morning expedition before heading into Burton itself or exploring further afield. Bring a map, go early to avoid any muddy patches, and expect solitude rather than spectacle. It's free access, naturally - just woodland doing what woodland does best.