The Warren

Ancient beech trees tower overhead here, their canopy so dense that even on bright summer days, the forest floor stays cool and dappled with shadows. The Warren sprawls across several acres just outside Worcester, offering proper woodland walking without the manicured feel of a country park.

Dog walkers love it here - the paths are well-trodden but informal, winding between oak and birch with enough fallen logs for children to clamber over. You'll spot the odd mountain biker, though the terrain isn't challenging enough for serious cyclists. Families with pushchairs should stick to the main tracks; the smaller trails get muddy after rain and can be a proper slog.

Birdwatchers do well here, especially in early morning when the place is quieter. I've spotted green woodpeckers and the occasional red kite circling above the treeline. The lack of formal facilities means no visitor centre or café, so pack a flask if you're planning to stay longer than an hour.

It's free to wander as you please, which makes it a decent stop if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Lenchford Meadow or Twin Oaks. The forest connects to other woodland paths, so keen walkers can easily stretch their legs for a few miles. Not spectacular, but reliably peaceful when Worcester's streets feel too busy.