Redmarley Woods

These woods sit on the eastern edge of the Forest of Dean proper, just outside Newent, and they're the sort of place you stumble onto rather than plan a special trip for. Ancient woodland, mostly - oak and beech - with a decent network of walking paths that wind through the trees without being too demanding. The Forest of Dean gets all the attention, but Redmarley Woods offer something quieter, less crowded, and genuinely peaceful if you're not after a destination hike.

It's good for families who want an hour or two of woodland mooching without committing to the bigger walks. Local dog walkers clearly know about it, and you'll see why - the ground is relatively clean, the paths are obvious, and there's plenty of room to let children run about without much anxiety. You're not looking at dramatic views or photogenic vistas here; the appeal is purely in the walking and the woods themselves. Spring brings bluebells, which can be decent, though it's never going to rival the more famous spots.

Access appears to be free and open, though I'd suggest parking sense and checking locally before you go - these small woodland areas sometimes have restrictions that change. Staging from one of the nearby caravan parks - Pelerine sits just 2.5 miles away - makes this a reasonable half-day activity alongside proper Forest of Dean exploring. Allow 90 minutes to two hours if you're not rushing. It's worth knowing about if you're based in the area, but don't rearrange your plans to visit it specifically.