Paradise Wood

A proper woodland walk just outside Hereford, Paradise Wood delivers exactly what it promises - trees, quiet, and enough space to actually hear yourself think. The forest floor is thick with moss and leaf litter, and in spring the bluebells come through thick enough to make you wonder why you don't visit woods more often. It's the sort of place where an hour disappears without you noticing, which is either brilliant or a bit dull depending on your tolerance for birdsong and the absence of a café.

Walkers will get the most from this one. There's no playground, no visitor centre, no interpretive signs telling you what species you're looking at - it's just woodland as woodland should be. Families with younger kids might find it fine for an amble, but don't expect them to be entertained for more than ninety minutes unless they're the type who collect interesting sticks and call it a day. Older children who actually like being outdoors will probably enjoy it more.

It sits handily close to Hereford if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby glamping spots like Goytree or Grove Farm - a quick drive and you're in proper forest rather than back in civilization. Free access as far as we can tell, though details are sparse. Go early morning if you can, before the place fills up with dog walkers, and bring proper boots if it's been wet. The mud here takes its time draining.