Frome Valley

The Frome Valley cuts through Gloucestershire's landscape like a proper woodland artery, and once you're in among the trees near Wotton-under-Edge, you'll understand why locals keep coming back. It's a genuine forest walk - not a manicured trail system, but the real thing with steep banks, a working river below, and enough shade to actually feel like you've escaped.

Walkers will have the best time here. The valley itself offers decent paths that follow the water, with the kind of gradient that keeps things interesting without becoming a slog. The woodland canopy is dense enough that even on warm days you'll stay relatively cool. If you're after woodland birds or just somewhere to think, this delivers.

Families with older children will manage fine, though very small kids might struggle with the terrain. The forest floor can be muddy and uneven - bring decent boots. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you want to do the valley justice rather than just nipping in for twenty minutes.

Timing-wise, spring brings bluebells if you're lucky, and autumn turns the whole place into decent colour. Winter's actually lovely too when the trees are bare and you can see the river structure properly.

It works brilliantly as a day out from Wixoldbury Farm Glamping if you're staying in the area - there's something refreshing about starting a day in a proper forest rather than ticking off another tourist spot. Free access, no nonsense, just woodland.