Nun Upton Oak

Standing alone in a Herefordshire field, this ancient oak has watched over the countryside for centuries. The Nun Upton Oak is one of those proper old English trees that makes you stop and wonder what stories it could tell - a gnarled giant that's clearly been here far longer than any of us.

Reaching it requires a decent walk across farmland from the nearest parking spot in Ludlow, so this isn't one for pushchairs or those who struggle with uneven ground. The tree itself is magnificent though, with a trunk so wide you'll need several people to link arms around it. Worth the trek if you're into ancient landmarks and don't mind a bit of mud on your boots.

Honestly, it's more of a pilgrimage for tree enthusiasts than a family day out. Kids might be impressed for all of five minutes before asking what's next. But if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Ludlow Touring & Holiday Home Park or Westbrook Park, it makes for a lovely morning walk when the weather's decent. The views across the Shropshire Hills are cracking on a clear day, and there's something quite moving about standing next to something that's been growing since medieval times.