Twopence Covert

Twopence Covert is a proper bit of woodland just outside Gloucester - the sort of place locals know about but most visitors drive straight past. It's a small forest, nothing vast, but there's something satisfying about it. Paths wind through mixed deciduous trees, and in spring the whole place comes alive with bluebells and bird song.

You can easily spend an hour or so wandering the trails without feeling rushed. It's ideal for families with younger kids who might find bigger forests overwhelming - the scale is manageable, and there are enough turns and small clearings to keep things interesting. Dog walkers love it here. If you're staying at Pepper Pot Caravan Park down the road, it's barely five miles away and makes for a proper morning walk before breakfast.

Worth knowing: there's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so bring water. The paths can be muddy after rain, which is par for the course with Gloucestershire woodland. It's free to access, thankfully. The best time is late April through May when the flowers are at their peak, or October when the autumn colours are genuine. You won't find crowds or tourist infrastructure, just woodland doing what woodland does best. If you're exploring the wider area around Gloucester, it's worth the detour - a genuine slice of the English countryside without the faffing about.