Delamere Forest - Forestry England, (main car park)

Delamere Forest sprawls across 2,400 acres of Cheshire woodland just outside Northwich, and it's the sort of place where you can lose a good half-day without trying. The main car park gives you access to a proper network of walking trails through mixed forest - pine, oak, and birch - with enough variety that you won't feel like you're trudging the same loop twice. There's a lake in there too, which adds a bit of visual interest and draws the occasional walker keen to spot waterbirds.

It's ideal for families who want to let kids burn off energy without needing a destination at the end of it all. Walkers of any ability will find something suitable, from gentle ambles around the water's edge to longer routes that actually get your heart going. History buffs might appreciate knowing this was once a royal hunting ground, though the forest doesn't make a huge song and dance about it.

The site is free to enter and you can stay as long as you fancy - most people allow two to three hours for a decent walk. Go early in the day if you can, especially weekends, as the car park does fill up. Autumn and spring are probably best, when the light's decent and you're not fighting through summer crowds.

Camped just on the edge of the forest, Delamere Forest Camping and Caravanning Club Site sits less than half a mile from the main car park, making it convenient if you're basing yourself locally. Other parks like Delamere Lake Sailing and Wild Shore Delamere are within easy reach too, so you could easily pair a forest walk with time at one of the water-based parks nearby.