France Island

Walking across the pedestrian bridge that spans the River Severn near Shrewsbury, you'll spot this small wooded island that feels surprisingly wild given its proximity to the town centre. France Island sits in the middle of the river, accessible only by a narrow footbridge, creating an instant sense of adventure for kids who love the idea of exploring their own little kingdom.

The woodland here is proper old-growth English forest - oak, ash and willow that have been left largely untouched. It's not manicured parkland but genuine wild space where you might spot kingfishers darting between the trees or herons standing statue-still by the water's edge. The paths are informal and can get muddy after rain, so decent walking boots are wise.

Families with young children will find it's just the right size for a short adventure without anyone getting tired or lost. An hour is plenty to explore the whole island, making it a lovely quick detour if you're staying at nearby parks like Love2Stay or Oxon Hall. The island works well as part of a longer walk into Shrewsbury itself, which is only a ten-minute stroll away.

Best visited in spring when the canopy is fresh green but before the summer undergrowth gets too thick. It's free to access and feels genuinely undiscovered despite being so close to town - a proper little escape into nature.