Picket Wood

Dense woodland wraps around the edges of Westbury like a green blanket, and Picket Wood offers one of the quieter escapes from the town's bustle. The footpaths wind through established mixed woodland where oak and beech create a proper canopy overhead, filtering the light into dappled patterns on the forest floor.

Dog walkers and families looking for an easy woodland ramble will find the going gentle enough for younger legs. The paths aren't waymarked particularly well, so it's more of a meander than a structured walk - which suits some people down to the ground but might frustrate those wanting clear routes.

Spring brings bluebells in patches, though nothing like the spectacular carpets you'll find in more famous Wiltshire woods. Still, it's a lovely spot for a picnic if you don't mind carrying your gear along the uneven paths. Kids will enjoy the freedom to explore, though there's not much in the way of natural play features like fallen logs or streams.

Being so close to several holiday parks around Westbury - Country View Camping and Brokerswood Holiday Park are both under three miles away - it makes for a decent morning or afternoon outing. Allow a couple of hours if you're planning to properly explore, though an hour's enough for a quick leg-stretch.