Oliver's Green

Deep woodland stretches across this quiet corner of Staffordshire, just outside Uttoxeter, where ancient trees form a proper canopy overhead. Oliver's Green isn't your manicured country park - this is proper forest walking territory with muddy paths that wind between oak and birch trees that have been here longer than anyone can remember.

Families with energetic kids will find plenty of space to roam, though pushchairs might struggle with the uneven ground after wet weather. Dog walkers absolutely love it here - you'll often have entire sections to yourselves on weekday mornings. The paths aren't waymarked, which adds to the adventure but means you can easily lose track of time exploring.

Bring wellies if it's been raining recently, as the clay soil holds water and gets properly slippery. There's no visitor centre or facilities, so pack whatever you need. An hour gives you a decent taste, but serious woodland wanderers could easily spend half a day here.

Location-wise, it sits well with the camping and glamping options scattered around this part of Staffordshire. Lower Micklin Touring Park and the various pod sites nearby make good bases for exploring the quieter side of the area, away from the crowds that descend on Alton Towers further south.