Lord's Wood

Ancient oaks stretch their gnarled branches overhead while foxgloves push through the woodland floor in spectacular purple drifts. Lord's Wood sits just outside Welshpool, a proper old-growth forest that feels worlds away from the manicured countryside beyond its edges.

Families will find this spot brilliant for letting the kids run wild - there's something primal about scrambling over fallen logs and building dens from bracken. The paths aren't marked, which adds to the adventure but means you'll want to keep little ones close. Dog walkers absolutely love it here, though you'll need to watch for sheep in the adjoining fields.

Birdwatchers should bring binoculars. I've spotted red kites circling above the canopy and heard woodpeckers hammering away in the deeper sections. The wood runs along a gentle slope, so while it's not challenging terrain, there are enough ups and downs to feel like you've earned your pub lunch.

Perfect for a morning ramble if you're staying at one of the glamping sites nearby - Brook Valley is less than a mile away. Give yourself an hour or two depending on how far you wander. The wood connects to longer footpaths heading towards the Brecon Beacons, making it a lovely warm-up for more ambitious walks later in your holiday.