The Hollies

Deep woodland sits just outside Shrewsbury, and The Hollies is proper worth seeking out if you want to stretch your legs without faffing about on a proper hiking trail. It's a working forest with mature trees - the kind of place where the light filters through in that soft, greenish way that makes you understand why people bang on about forests being good for the soul.

The woodland walks are straightforward enough for families with younger kids, though older ones won't find it challenging. You're looking at an hour or so to potter about and take in the trees without rushing. The paths are decent underfoot, though after heavy rain they can get boggy in spots.

What you get here is genuine forest peace - no visitor centre nonsense, no queues. It's the sort of place you go to actually hear birdsong rather than screaming toddlers. Worth pairing with a stay at Mill Farm Holiday Park or Lower Hill Campsite, both within spitting distance and well-reviewed. Those sites make good bases for exploring the Shropshire countryside more broadly.

If you're expecting dramatic vistas or rare woodland plants, you'll be disappointed. This is quiet, ordinary woodland - which sounds like damning it, but honestly, that's rather the point. Go if you want to breathe properly for an afternoon. Skip it if you need facilities or interpretation boards explaining every tree species.