Gilbrook Wood

The canopy here is proper thick - you'll want a waterproof even if it's only drizzling outside. Gilbrook Wood is one of those forests that feels genuinely wild despite being just outside Chepstow, the kind of place where you half-expect to see a deer round every corner. The woodland walk winds through mixed broadleaf trees, with streams running through in places that are brilliant for splashing about if you've got kids.

It's the sort of spot that rewards wandering. No formal trails that I could see, which means you're free to pick your own route through the undergrowth - good for families who want adventure without the crowds you'd get at a managed country park. Allow a couple of hours to really explore without rushing. The ground gets muddy quick after rain, so wellies are non-negotiable.

Historically minded visitors might appreciate that you're walking through ancient woodland, though there's nothing obvious in the way of ruins or information boards. It's more about the walk itself than any particular destination - which is either exactly what you want or slightly frustrating, depending on your mood.

If you're staying at Penhein Glamping just down the road, this would slot in nicely on a morning ramble before heading to Chepstow itself. The proximity makes it a natural add-on rather than a day out on its own. Walkers and nature lovers will get far more from it than anyone after a quick photo stop.