Fountains Wood

The woodland around Frodsham rewards a proper wander, and Fountains Wood is exactly the sort of place you'll stumble upon if you're willing to leave the main paths. It's a modest stretch of forest - nothing that'll take your breath away, but genuinely pleasant on a quiet morning when the light filters through the canopy in that particular way that makes you forget you're in the North West.

You'll find a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, with enough ground cover and space to feel like you're actually in a wood rather than a managed nature reserve. The walking is easy enough for families, though younger kids might not stay engaged for hours - there's no dramatic waterfall or playground to break things up, just the forest itself. If you're after wildlife spotting or woodland photography, go early or aim for midweek when fewer people are about.

The whole circuit takes roughly an hour depending on how thoroughly you poke around. Free access, as far as we can tell, though parking and facilities details would be worth confirming before you head out. It works brilliantly as a morning stop if you're based at The Ridgeway Country Holiday Park nearby - five and a half miles away, so very manageable for a half-day excursion.

Don't expect anything fancy. Just solid, straightforward Cheshire woodland that does exactly what it says on the tin.