Long Wood

Walking into Long Wood is like stepping back in time - it's one of those ancient woodlands that's been here since the medieval period, and you can feel it. The canopy is thick enough that even on a bright day there's a proper greenish light filtering through, and the woodland floor is soft with centuries of leaf fall. You're looking at mixed hardwoods - oak, ash, hazel - the kind of trees that have stood here for generations.

This is excellent territory for woodland walkers and anyone who fancies a proper ramble without the crowds. There are trails winding through, though they're not formally marked, which means you need a decent sense of direction or a map. Birdwatchers do well here too - the structure of an old wood like this supports nuthatches, woodpeckers, and all manner of songbirds. It's not a destination for quick visits; you want at least two hours to explore it properly and actually appreciate what you're seeing.

The woodland sits just a few miles from Henley-in-Arden, making it straightforward to reach from any of the local caravan sites. Wootton Park Glamping Pods is closest at 4.4 miles if you want something upmarket, while Island Meadow and Greenhill Park offer proper touring caravan facilities a bit further out. Free admission and no faffing about with opening hours - you turn up when you fancy. Go in autumn or early spring when the undergrowth is less dense and visibility is better. Summer can feel a bit oppressive under all that leaf cover.