Locks Copse

Walk into Locks Copse and you're straight into proper woodland - the kind of place where the noise from Cowes feels a world away. It's a genuine forest rather than a manicured park, so expect uneven paths, fallen branches underfoot, and that satisfying smell of damp earth and leaf mould that only old woods give you.

The trees here are substantial and well-established, creating a canopy thick enough to keep things cool even on warm days. There are a few informal paths threading through, though nothing signposted or particularly managed. You won't find facilities or facilities here - it's just forest, which is exactly what some people want and why others find it a bit underwhelming after ten minutes.

Families with older kids who actually enjoy walking will get more from this than toddlers. History enthusiasts might appreciate that this is genuinely old woodland, though don't expect interpretation boards or stories handed to you. Walkers looking for a quick woodland loop from Cowes should factor in 45 minutes to an hour, depending on how deep you venture and whether you dawdle.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Camp Wight or Tapnell Farm are both within five miles - this works as a solid half-hour break from the caravan. It won't be the highlight of your holiday, but it's proper woodland on an island that doesn't have masses of it. Go when you've got time to meander rather than when you're rushing between attractions.