Gibb's Wood

The woodland around Clitheroe opens up properly once you head towards Gibb's Wood, a stretch of mature forest that's genuinely worth exploring if you're camping or caravanning in Lancashire. It's the kind of place where you can walk for hours without seeing anyone - which is either brilliant or dull depending on your mood and who you've got with you.

The trees are tall and fairly dense, giving the whole thing that cool, damp feel even on warm days. Walking trails wind through, nothing particularly strenuous, and you'll spot the usual woodland birds if you're paying attention. Families with younger kids might find an hour here is plenty before everyone wants to do something else. Older children and proper walkers will appreciate having genuine forest paths without the theme park atmosphere you get at some more famous spots.

It's free to access, which is the main thing. There's a real sense of being away from things without needing to drive hours from Clitheroe. If you're based at Cross Lane Caravan Park or one of the other sites scattered within five miles, this becomes an easy morning or afternoon addition to your week rather than a full day's expedition.

The wood works best as part of a bigger walk rather than a destination in itself. Pair it with exploring Clitheroe's town centre or the wider Forest of Bowland landscape nearby, and it slots in properly. Go in autumn when the canopy changes colour - that's when it actually feels special.