Long Itchington Wood

The woodland around Long Itchington, a few miles south of Southam, is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan for - which is exactly why it works. Ancient trees, proper old-growth stuff, create a canopy that keeps things cool even on warm days. The paths wind through without too much faffing about, and there's genuine peace here. No theme park soundtrack, no gift shop, just woodland doing what woodland does best.

It's ideal for walkers who want something local rather than driving to the Cotswolds, and families with kids old enough to manage a decent ramble will find it engaging enough. There's something about finding your own route through the trees that beats any marked trail. The woodland floor changes with the seasons - muddy in winter, proper crunchy with leaves in autumn. Allow a couple of hours if you're taking your time; an hour if you're just after the basics.

Campers at Tinywood Homes or Harbury Fields Farm (both within a few miles) have a real advantage here. It's the sort of place that feels secret when you're in it, even though you're minutes from the car. Not somewhere to bring toddlers who'll complain after twenty minutes, but absolutely worth the detour if you've got people who actually like walking. Free, naturally, and accessible year-round, though it's worth checking conditions after heavy rain - the paths can get boggy.