Giant Redwoods

These towering Californian redwoods stand incongruously in the Wiltshire countryside near Warminster, a proper surprise if you're not expecting to find ancient giants this far from the Pacific. They're genuinely impressive - the sheer scale of them does something to your sense of perspective that photographs don't quite capture. You can walk among them, which is the main draw, and there's something almost meditative about standing beneath trees that are hundreds of years old and utterly dwarfing everything around them.

Walkers and nature photographers will get the most out of a visit. Kids find them interesting for a bit, though it's not exactly an activity in the traditional sense - there's no climbing, no interactive elements, just trees. Depending on how you feel about that sort of thing, you'll either think it's brilliant or a bit underwhelming for a dedicated trip out.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Center Parcs Longleat Forest is closest at half a mile, or The Treehouses literally on the doorstep - it's worth a morning wander. The Longleat estate itself is close by, so you could easily combine the two. Worth allowing an hour or so, though you might be done in thirty minutes if you're not the lingering type.

No confirmed details on opening hours or admission charges, so check ahead before driving out. It's the kind of place that repays a quiet visit on a grey Wiltshire afternoon more than a sunny bank holiday when you might find it rammed.