Empton Wood

The trees here are proper old - Empton Wood sprawls across a decent chunk of Powys countryside a short drive from Hereford, and it's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think. Walking through feels less like a manicured nature reserve and more like wandering into someone's working woodland, which it essentially is. The canopy gets thick enough that even on bright days there's a cool green half-light filtering through, and the paths wind between conifers and broadleaves without too much faffing about with waymarkers.

This isn't a destination that'll keep fidgety kids entertained for hours - it's genuinely just a wood. But for anyone after a proper walk without the crowds, or families after somewhere to burn off energy between more structured activities, it works brilliantly. Allow two hours if you want to explore properly and not rush. The area doesn't pull in day-trippers the way the more famous spots do, which is exactly why it's worth the detour.

If you're based at one of the local holiday parks - Locksters Pool or Heart of the Wye Glamping are both within five miles - it makes sense to slot a woodland morning in between river activities and market town pottering. Presteigne Holiday Park sits further out but still close enough for an easy drive. The advantage here is you get something genuine rather than another themed attraction, though admission details aren't published online so ring ahead before you visit.