Keybridge Plantation

Twenty minutes from Droitwich lies this working plantation forest that's been quietly growing timber for decades. The main draw here is the network of forestry tracks that wind between orderly rows of conifers and patches of mixed woodland. It's proper countryside walking without the crowds you'll find at more famous spots.

Dog walkers absolutely love it here - the tracks are firm underfoot year-round and there's plenty of space for energetic mutts to explore safely. Families with older kids who don't mind a bit of mud will find it engaging enough, though toddlers might get restless after half an hour unless they're keen on collecting pine cones.

The forest changes character with the seasons. Spring brings that lovely fresh green canopy, while autumn sees the deciduous sections putting on a proper show of colour. Winter walking can be atmospheric if you don't mind the occasional soggy patch.

Expect to spend an hour or two here depending on which routes you take. The tracks connect in various loops, so you can tailor the distance to your energy levels. It's the sort of place that works brilliantly as a morning stretch-the-legs stop if you're staying at one of the holiday parks around Droitwich. Twin Oaks and The Wharf are both within easy striking distance for a quick forest adventure.