The Lunch

The Lunch is a proper woodland area just outside Warwick, and it's exactly what it sounds like - a forest where you can walk without fanfare or ticket barriers. There's no visitor centre, no gift shop, just trees and paths and the chance to stretch your legs away from the town centre.

It's a straightforward spot for a couple of hours if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Warwick Racecourse is only three miles away, making it an easy afternoon jaunt. The walks are gentle rather than demanding, which means families with younger kids won't hit a wall of complaints halfway through. That said, don't expect dramatic views or rare woodland features. It's green, it's quiet, and that's rather the point.

The real value here is unpretentious accessibility. You're near enough to Warwick itself to visit Warwick Castle in the morning, then head into the forest for some air without having to drive far. Knight's Village at Warwick Castle is only 3.3 miles off if you're after a proper base, and Mousley House Farm adds another option at 4.2 miles.

When to go hardly matters - it's a forest, so autumn colours work beautifully, but spring and summer are equally fine. Allow 90 minutes to two hours if you're taking it easy. Free to access, which is honest. The Lunch suits walkers more than loungers, and history buffs probably won't miss much, but if you need to get outside between castle visits and want to avoid the honeypot spots, it does the job.