Heart of England Forest

A thousand acres of replanted woodland between Stratford-upon-Avon and Redditch - that's what the Heart of England Forest amounts to. It's a working reforestation project, not a theme park, so manage expectations accordingly. You're walking through a genuine attempt to rebuild England's tree cover, with paths that wind through maturing woodland and younger plantations. The trees are still finding their feet in places, which means you get open views you wouldn't find in an ancient forest.

Walkers will get the most from this. The network of trails ranges from gentle loops suitable for families to longer rambles that take the better part of a day. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Welford Riverside Park is barely a mile away, or you could base yourself at Orchard Lodge or Dodwell Park - this makes for a proper morning or afternoon outing. Kids won't be bored, though don't expect the drama of a stately home. What they will get is space to run about and the genuine satisfaction of walking through a forest that's being actively grown.

Come in spring when the woodland floor comes alive, or autumn when colour starts creeping in. Summer can feel exposed in younger sections. Free to access and open to the public - no gatekeeping here. Allow two to four hours depending on which route you take. It won't revolutionise your holiday, but it's a solid addition to a Warwickshire break, especially if you're already heading to Stratford.