The Chase

The Chase is a proper woodland walk just outside Newbury, the sort of place locals know about but most visitors miss entirely. It's a genuine forest rather than a manicured country park - thick with beech and oak, the ground soft underfoot even in dry weather. You'll find decent walking trails that meander through the trees without being relentlessly steep, and there's real woodland atmosphere rather than the usual managed-estate vibe.

This works best for families after a couple of hours of proper exploring, or anyone who wants a proper woodland ramble without driving halfway across the county. History buffs might find it interesting given West Berkshire's connections to hunting forests, though The Chase itself isn't particularly sign-posted with interpretive information. Expect to bring your own map or rely on a walking app.

It's free to access, which is a relief. Allow two to three hours if you actually want to walk it rather than just potter around the car park. Spring and autumn are cracking seasons - less mud than winter, less oppressive heat than summer. The forest floor's mostly clear except for fallen branches, so it's manageable even if you've got young legs in tow, though older children will get more out of it than toddlers.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Hollington Park Glamping or Bishops Green Farm just outside Newbury, this makes an excellent morning outing before heading elsewhere. It won't take your whole day, which is fair enough - it's a woodland walk, not a destination attraction. Decent spot for stretching your legs between other things.