Rookery Wood

The Forest of Dean has more woodland than you'd think possible in one corner of England, and Rookery Wood is where you go if you want proper forest without the crowds that descend on the main visitor centres. It's a working woodland, quiet and dark under the canopy, with paths that wind through old growth and younger plantings alike.

You'll find it just outside Coleford, which makes it convenient if you're staying at one of the local caravan parks - Forest and Wye Valley or Deanwood are both within a few miles and offer good bases for exploring this way. The walk is straightforward; no dramatic viewpoints or wooden structures, just trees and the occasional clearing. It's the sort of place where you hear birdsong properly, where kids might spot a deer if they're lucky and quiet enough.

Give yourself an hour to two hours depending on how deep you want to go. It works best for walkers rather than anyone after a slick visitor experience with a café. There's nothing fancy here, which is rather the point. The paths are accessible enough but the ground can be muddy in winter, so boots are sensible.

If you're combining a few spots around the Forest of Dean - and Whitemead Forest Park is close by if you want something with more facilities - Rookery Wood fills the slot nicely for anyone who wants woodland walking without the performance. It's free and unrestricted, which means it opens when you want to show up.