Long Wood

Walking into Long Wood near Nantwich feels like stepping back in time. This is proper old-growth woodland - the kind where ancient oaks tower overhead and the forest floor is thick with generations of leaf litter. You won't find manicured paths or interpretation boards here; it's genuinely wild in places.

The wood is brilliant for anyone who wants to escape the caravans and touring parks for a few hours. Families with older kids will get on well here - there's room to explore and the tree cover means it's lovely on hot days. Younger children might lose interest after an hour or so unless they're keen on spotting wildlife. Walkers absolutely should make the trip. The trails wind through mixed woodland and there's a real sense of being away from it all, which is no small feat this close to Nantwich.

Access appears to be free, though facilities are limited - bring water and don't expect loos. It's the sort of place that works well as a morning jaunt if you're staying at The Willows Touring Park down the road. Pair it with the town's Georgian architecture and you've got a decent half-day sorted.

Best visited in spring when the woodland floor is carpeted with bluebells, though honestly any time when it's not waterlogged will do. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're actually walking rather than just having a mooch about.