North Toppings Wood

Dense woodland stretches across gently rolling hills just a few miles northeast of Preston, offering proper escape from the urban sprawl. North Toppings Wood feels surprisingly wild for somewhere so close to Lancashire's major towns - you'll find yourself surrounded by mature deciduous trees with barely a glimpse of the outside world once you're deep inside.

Dog walkers absolutely love this place. The informal network of paths means you can easily spend an hour or two exploring without retracing your steps, and there's enough space for even the most energetic spaniel to run off steam. Families with older children who enjoy a proper woodland ramble will find plenty to keep them occupied, though it's not really set up for pushchairs or very small ones.

Being unofficial woodland, there are no facilities or marked trails - just well-worn paths created by years of local use. It's free to wander, naturally, and you can park along the nearby lanes without too much trouble. Best visited on a crisp autumn morning when the leaves are turning, though it stays atmospheric year-round.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks like Claylands or Gibsons Barn, it's well worth the short drive for a complete change of scenery. Just remember to bring a map on your phone - it's easier to get turned around than you might expect.