The Larches

The Larches near Alcester is a proper woodland walk through mature larch plantation - the kind of place that feels properly removed from the Midlands sprawl despite being barely outside town. The trees are tall and dense enough that you lose the outside world quickly, which is exactly what you want from a forest visit.

It's best suited to walkers rather than young children, though older kids who can manage uneven ground will get something from it. The canopy is thick, so it's decent in summer when you want shade, though winter walkers might find it a bit gloomy. Allow a couple of hours maximum - it's not enormous, so don't expect a full day's rambling.

The main appeal is simple: you get into actual woodland without faffing about. No facilities that I'm aware of, so bring what you need. It pairs well with the nearby holiday parks at Wixford Grange and Island Meadow if you're basing yourself in the area for a week - good for a morning walk before heading elsewhere in Warwickshire. Wootton Park Glamping Pods is slightly further afield but also nearby if you want something different.

Worth a detour if you're staying in the region and want a straightforward forest walk. Not worth traveling across the country for, but if you're in Alcester anyway, it's exactly what's on your doorstep.