Michael Wood

The woodland paths through Michael Wood, just outside Dursley, offer proper peaceful walking territory if you fancy escaping the caravan site for a few hours. It's a working forest rather than some manicured tourist trap, which means you get the real thing - tall trees, decent shade, and enough space to actually hear yourself think.

You can wander for anything from half an hour to a full morning depending on energy levels and how lost you're willing to get. The paths are manageable for families with older kids, though it's not a pushchair-friendly situation. Locals use it regularly, so you'll rarely feel like you've stumbled upon something undiscovered, but that also means the trails are well-trodden and safe.

There's nothing fancy here - no visitor centre, no tea shop, no entrance fee as far as anyone can tell. Just wood, air, and the occasional muddy patch that catches you out. Worth the detour if you're camped at Pepper Pot or any of the surrounding parks, particularly if you need to burn off restless energy or want to clear your head mid-holiday. On a wet day it'll feel a bit gloomy and damp, so pick decent weather. The walk takes you well away from Dursley's modest bustle, which is rather the point.