Johnson's Rough

A proper forest walk rather than a manicured nature reserve, Johnson's Rough sits just outside Chester and feels refreshingly untamed. The woodland here is dense and dark in places, with paths that wind through mature trees and patches of bracken that can get quite overgrown depending on the season. It's the sort of place where you'll actually feel like you're in a forest rather than wandering through a managed park.

Walkers will appreciate the network of trails that offer genuine exploration without needing to be on high alert for other visitors. The canopy is thick enough that even on busy days it feels quiet and secluded. There's nothing showy about it - no visitor centre, no carved signs pointing you toward highlights - which is partly why it works so well. You just walk and see what you find.

Heads up: the ground can be boggy after rain and some paths get a bit overgrown in summer, so decent footwear is essential. It's free to access and you can spend anywhere from an hour to a half-day here depending on how thoroughly you fancy exploring. Children who are into proper outdoor mucking about will enjoy it far more than those expecting facilities or waymarked loops.

If you're staying at Manor Wood nearby, this is an ideal spot for getting away from the holiday park without driving far. Close enough for a morning walk, remote enough that you'll feel you've actually gone somewhere.