Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve

The Wyre Forest sprawls across 2,000 acres of ancient woodland near Bewdley - proper old-growth forest, the kind where you can actually believe you're miles from anywhere even though you're only minutes from the high street. Walk in and you're surrounded by oak, birch, and Douglas fir, with a river running through it all. The trails range from gentle riverside strolls to more ambitious woodland loops, so you can pitch it at whatever level suits you.

It's brilliant for families with older kids and anyone who actually wants to move their legs. Young children might flag on longer routes, but there are manageable stretches along the water that keep things interesting. Serious walkers will appreciate the forest's size - you can spend a proper morning in here without seeing the same ground twice. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars; the woodland canopy is thick enough that you'll hear plenty more than you spot.

Access is free and there's no set visiting hours, which means you turn up when you fancy. Allow two to three hours minimum for anything worthwhile, longer if you're taking it slow. Spring brings bluebells and birdsong; autumn turns everything copper. Winter's quieter, which some prefer.

If you're camping at Hopleys Family Camping or Little Lakes Holiday Park nearby, this is exactly the sort of place that justifies picking those spots. You can do a morning walk, grab lunch in Bewdley, then head back to base knowing you've actually earned your evening. That's what these forest reserves are for.