Fir Wood

Fir Wood is a proper woodland walk just outside Skelmersdale - the kind of place you stumble upon when you're sick of manicured gardens and want actual trees around you. It's a working forest, so don't expect theme park polish. What you get instead is dense woodland, muddy paths, and the genuine crunch of needles underfoot. The firs tower above, blocking out most of the sky, which makes it feel darker and more enclosed than you'd expect for Lancashire.

Walkers will find it worthwhile. The paths are clear enough, though they get boggy after rain - proper walking boots are your friend here, not trainers. Allow an hour for a decent circuit; you won't need much more unless you're taking photos. History types might be interested to know this is working forestry, not ancient woodland, but that doesn't make it any less atmospheric.

It's free, which is always a bonus. Kids will enjoy it for a bit - trees, paths to explore, maybe some wildlife spotting if you're lucky. But it's not a destination-in-itself for a full day out. Pair it with nearby Skelmersdale town if you're hunting shops or cafes, or base yourself at The Secret Garden Glamping just 3.7 miles away for a forest-backed stay. From there, you can slip into Fir Wood for morning walks without the faff of loading the car. Best visited after a dry spell when the paths aren't treacherous.