Railway Covert

The woodland around Railway Covert, just outside Rugby, is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan a day around - but once you're there, you'll understand why locals keep coming back. It's essentially a working forest with walking trails threading through it, where the trees are dense enough to feel properly removed from civilization even though you're minutes from town.

The appeal here is straightforward. You get shade, decent footpaths, and the genuine article of English woodland rather than manicured parkland. There's a railway line running through it, which is either charming or slightly surreal depending on your mood - train spotters will find it interesting, and the industrial heritage aspect gives the place some character beyond just being trees.

Walkers should budget a couple of hours minimum, though you can do shorter circuits if you're just after a leg-stretch. Families with young children will be fine on the main paths, but it's not a playground and kids might get bored if they're after activity stations and play equipment. It's better suited to people who actually want to walk rather than supervise entertainment.

Being free and accessible makes it a solid addition to a park holiday in the area - Rosemarie Caravan Site is close by, and if you're staying there with decent weather, this beats sitting around the pitch. Go early on weekends to avoid becoming part of someone else's ramble. It's not spectacular, but it's proper countryside walking without the pretension.