South Wood

Ancient oaks and towering beech trees create a proper cathedral of green in this woodland sanctuary just outside Malvern. South Wood feels refreshingly wild compared to the manicured paths elsewhere in the area, with muddy tracks winding between moss-covered trunks and fallen logs that provide perfect perches for a breather.

Families with older children will love the sense of adventure here - there's plenty of scrambling over roots and exploring off the beaten track. Dog walkers particularly rate this spot, as four-legged friends can have a proper run without worrying about livestock. The woodland floor erupts with bluebells in spring, making it well worth timing your visit for late April or early May.

Expect to spend a good hour or two if you want to explore properly, though you could easily make it a quick 20-minute leg-stretch if you're just passing through. The paths can get quite boggy after rain, so decent walking boots are essential.

For those staying at Riverside Caravan Park or the other sites around Malvern, South Wood makes an excellent morning constitutional before tackling the more demanding Malvern Hills later in the day. It's the sort of place where you might spot a red kite circling overhead or hear the distinctive tap-tap of a woodpecker echoing through the canopy.