Lye Copses

The woods around Lye Copses feel proper old - the kind of place where you half-expect to stumble on something from centuries back. It's a working forest near Newbury, not a manicured country estate, so there's real woodland feel rather than groomed trails and visitor facilities.

You can walk through it, and that's largely what people do. The trees are dense enough in places to give decent shelter, the paths are manageable underfoot, and if you time it right - spring for bluebells, autumn for the colour - it's genuinely worth an hour or two of your time. History buffs will appreciate that this is old forest land, though don't expect interpretation boards or anything fancy.

Walkers and family groups with older kids will get the most from it. Little ones might find it a bit samey after 20 minutes unless you're into spotting wildlife and making it an adventure. There's nothing to buy, nowhere to eat, so come prepared.

It's free to access, though you should check locally about any access restrictions before you go - these things change. Allow 90 minutes to two hours for a decent walk without rushing.

If you're based at Hollington Park Glamping just four miles away, Lye Copses makes an easy morning or afternoon outing without needing to drive far. It's the sort of place that rounds out a forest-heavy holiday, nothing showstopping but solid.