Brownsills Wood

The woodland paths around Brownsills Wood offer a proper escape if you're staying near Clitheroe and fancy stretching your legs without heading too far. It's a modest Lancashire forest - nothing that'll blow your mind with dramatic vistas, but good solid walking territory with decent enough shade once you're under the canopy.

You'll find yourself on well-trodden trails through mixed woodland. The paths are manageable for families with kids old enough to handle rougher ground, though prams won't cut it here. The whole thing feels local and unpretentious - the sort of place where you bump into actual residents rather than tour groups. If you're after a quick hour's wander before heading back to Clitheroe Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Little Oakhurst Glamping for a cup of tea, it does the job nicely.

Timing-wise, go mid-week if you can. Weekends bring out the mountain bikers, which means dodging the occasional enthusiast barrelling through at speed. Spring and autumn are best - summer can feel a bit close under the trees, and winter mud makes it properly boggy.

There's no visitor centre or cafe, so bring water and snacks. It's free to access, as most woodland is. Allow a couple of hours if you're taking it slow with the kids. Not a destination in itself, but a solid addition to a park holiday in the area - pair it with a proper walk up to Pendle Hill or explore Clitheroe's town centre.