Flasher's Wood

Don't let the unfortunate name put you off - this woodland near Worcester offers proper walking through mature deciduous forest that's surprisingly peaceful given its proximity to the city. The paths wind through oak and beech trees, with enough undergrowth to make children feel they're on a proper adventure without being so dense you'll lose sight of them.

Families staying at nearby holiday parks like Riverside Caravan Park or Malvern Hills Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite will find this a decent stretch-the-legs option, though it's hardly spectacular. The wood works best as part of a longer walk rather than a destination in itself - you'd struggle to fill more than an hour here unless the kids are particularly keen on stick collecting.

What it lacks in wow factor it makes up for in accessibility. The main paths are well-maintained enough for pushchairs on dry days, though you'll want proper footwear after rain. Dog walkers seem to have claimed this as their territory, so expect plenty of four-legged company.

Being so close to Worcester means it's handy for a quick nature fix if you're based at one of the local sites, but don't drive across county for this alone. It's free, always open, and perfectly adequate - just don't expect the Malverns on your doorstep.