Saltmoor Copse

Deep woodland stretches across this corner of the Island, just minutes from Newport's outskirts yet feeling properly remote once you're among the trees. Saltmoor Copse offers the kind of peaceful forest ramble that's become increasingly rare - no visitor centre, no car park fees, just genuine countryside to explore at your own pace.

Families with energetic children will find plenty of scope for adventure here, though the paths can get muddy after rain so decent boots are essential. The woodland is particularly lovely in spring when bluebells carpet the forest floor, though it's equally rewarding in autumn when the canopy turns golden. Dog walkers seem to have claimed this as their territory, and rightly so - there's space enough for everyone to spread out.

Expect to spend a good hour or two if you're walking properly, longer if the kids want to build dens or hunt for interesting sticks. It's the sort of place where you can genuinely lose track of time, which is rather the point. The copse makes a cracking addition to a stay at any of the nearby parks, particularly Whitefield Forest Touring Park or Parkdean's Lower Hyde site, both just a short drive away. Perfect for burning off energy before an afternoon on the beach.