Redlynch Plantation

The forest at Redlynch Plantation sprawls across decent acreage just outside Salisbury, offering proper woodland walking without the tourist crush you'd get elsewhere. It's the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think - tall conifers mixed with broadleaf trees, quiet tracks, and barely another soul on weekday mornings.

Walkers will get the most from this one. The paths are straightforward enough, ranging from short loops to longer rambles depending on your mood and fitness. You're looking at anything from half an hour pottering about to a couple of hours if you fancy exploring the whole plantation properly. Families with young kids will find it manageable, though it won't hold their attention for a full day - perhaps an hour or so before boredom sets in.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of that I'm aware of, so come prepared. Bring water, wear decent boots if it's been wet - the ground can get muddy in places. It's free to access, which is always welcome. The forest works brilliantly as part of a broader Salisbury trip: you could knock out a morning walk here, then head into town for lunch and explore the cathedral or market. Staying nearby at Green Hill Farm Holiday Village or Salisbury Campsite at Bake Farm means you've got easy access without being right on top of tourist attractions. Best avoided in peak summer holidays when day-trippers descend, but spring and autumn are lovely - the light filters through the canopy properly then.