Pig-trough Copse

The name alone stops you in your tracks. Pig-trough Copse is genuinely called that, and yes, it's exactly what it sounds like - a small woodland patch near Marlborough where pigs once drank from a trough, centuries back. The locals still use the name without irony, which is rather brilliant.

What you get here is proper woodland walking rather than a destination in itself. The trees are dense enough to feel like you've stepped away from the world, and in winter especially, there's a real sense of being surrounded by something wild. It's ideal for a brisk hour's ramble if you're camping nearby at Ridgeway Campsite or Totteridge Farm, or if you've got the kids at Hillview Park and need to burn off energy without driving anywhere.

The copse itself isn't sign-posted to death, which means you'll need decent local knowledge or a decent map app to find your way around. That said, it's small enough that you can't get properly lost. Families with older children will enjoy the freedom of it - younger ones might find it a bit samey after twenty minutes, if you're honest.

Access appears to be unrestricted, though you should check locally about footpaths. It sits well within a broader walk around Marlborough if you're planning a longer day out. The market town itself offers the cafes and pubs you'll need afterwards. Don't expect manicured trails or information boards. This is a working bit of woodland, and that's exactly why it's worth a visit.