New Wood

You'll find yourself surrounded by proper woodland just outside Chepstow, with New Wood offering a straightforward forest walk through Monmouthshire's green belt. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think - no theme park noise, no queues, just trees and the occasional dog walker. The paths are well-maintained and reasonably flat, making it accessible without being boring.

This works best for people who want an hour or so of fresh air without overthinking it. Families with young kids will manage fine here, though it's not a destination you'd drive across Wales for on its own. Walkers passing through the area between Chepstow and the wider Wye Valley will appreciate the break from roads.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so arrive prepared. Go on a weekday morning and you'll have the place almost entirely to yourself, which is rather lovely. Weekends bring more traffic, particularly from nearby Penhein Glamping and Forest and Wye Valley Caravan and Camping Site, both within easy driving distance.

If you're staying in the area for a proper park holiday, New Wood slots in nicely as a morning walk before heading into Chepstow itself or pushing deeper into the Wye Valley. Don't expect dramatic vistas or ancient monuments - this is straightforward, honest woodland. That's precisely why it works.