Alcott Wood

The woodland around Alcott feels like proper walking country - dense enough that you lose the sound of the nearby road within minutes, open enough that you're never claustrophobic. It's mixed deciduous forest, the sort of place where you'll actually spot something between the trees rather than trudging through commercial plantation monotony.

This isn't a destination you'd plan a whole day around, but it's ideal if you're based at Somers Wood Caravan Park and fancy a brisk leg-stretch. Most people will get what they need in 45 minutes to an hour, depending on which paths you take and whether you dawdle. The woodland itself doesn't have major attractions or viewpoints - it's just pleasant, straightforward forest walking with a decent network of footpaths. Families with young kids might find it a bit thin on entertainment value, but if you've got older children or you're after some quiet time away from the caravan park, it does the job well.

Go on a dry day if you can. The ground gets sticky after rain, and there's not much to recommend dragging round muddy paths for the sake of it. The understory's worth checking in spring if you're into woodland flowers. Coventry's close enough if you need supplies or want to head into town for something more structured, but Alcott Wood itself is really just a local walking spot - low-key, free, and functional rather than spectacular.