Powney's Wood

A proper woodland walk just outside Chippenham, Powney's Wood is the kind of place you stumble into rather than plan a pilgrimage to - and that's entirely its charm. It's a working forest with decent footpaths threading through mature trees, offering decent shelter if the Wiltshire weather turns (which it will). You'll find the usual suspects underfoot: bluebells in spring, fungi in autumn, and that satisfying crunch of leaf litter year-round.

This is walkers' territory, full stop. The paths are straightforward enough for families with older kids, though little ones might find the route a bit long if you're trying to do the whole thing. Allow 45 minutes to an hour depending on which way you go. There's something quietly restorative about it - no playground antics, no tea rooms, just trees and the occasional birdsong that reminds you why you left the car park.

If you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Devizes Camping is closest at just over three miles - this makes a solid morning outing before heading to bigger attractions in the area. It's free to walk, no gates or admission nonsense, which means you can slip in whenever suits you. Go early though, especially weekends, or you'll be navigating around every dog walker in the county. The wood's best in late spring when the light filters through properly, but honestly, any season beats staring at a screen.