Whitestone

Whitestone sits just outside Lydney as a proper woodland and wetland reserve that rewards a quiet morning walk far more than a rushed afternoon visit. The paths wind through dense forest where you'll spot woodland birds and if you're lucky, spot roe deer slipping between the trees. It's the sort of place where the main appeal is simply being somewhere green and undisturbed - no visitor centre, no café, no fanfare.

This suits walkers and nature enthusiasts far more than families wanting entertainment. You won't get much from it in under an hour, but give yourself two hours and you'll see why locals keep coming back. The wetland areas are particularly good for birdwatchers in spring and autumn when migrating species pass through. It's free to access, which is always welcome.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan sites - Forest and Wye Valley is excellent and less than 3 miles away - Whitestone makes a solid morning out before heading into Lydney town itself. Combine it with a walk along the local canal or a visit to the riverside if the weather turns. Don't expect crowds or facilities. What you get instead is genuinely quiet forest, the kind that feels properly removed from things despite being minutes from civilisation.