Peppercombe Wood

The woodland paths at Peppercombe Wood near Devizes are quietly impressive - the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think. Ancient trees line the trails, and in spring the bluebells come thick enough to turn the forest floor violet. It's a proper nature reserve, the kind where you might spot woodland birds and maybe a roe deer if you're lucky and keep still.

This isn't a destination that will keep under-tens entertained for hours. But for walkers after a gentle woodland circuit, or anyone who actually enjoys watching wildlife rather than just photographing it, the reserve works well. The trails are straightforward enough - no scrambling required - and the air has that good earthy smell you only get in old-growth woodland.

There's no visitor centre or facilities as far as I can tell, so come prepared with water and wear decent boots if the ground's been wet. An hour to ninety minutes covers most of what the reserve offers. It's free to access and sits well within striking distance of several decent camping options around Devizes. Little Owls Camping and Honey Bee Glamping are both within three miles, making this an easy half-day outing from a park holiday base. The real appeal is the quiet - it's the sort of place where you escape other tourists entirely.