Point Coppice

Dense woodland stretches across rolling hills just outside Worcester, offering proper countryside walking without the crowds you'll find at more famous spots. Point Coppice is working forest - you'll hear chainsaws in the distance and spot stacked timber along the tracks, which gives it an authentic feel that's often missing from sanitised nature reserves.

Families with older children will get the most from this place. The paths can be muddy and uneven, so it's not ideal for pushchairs or anyone with mobility issues. Dog walkers love it here - plenty of space to let them off the lead and explore.

What strikes you first is how quiet it gets once you're away from the main track. The canopy blocks most sound from the nearby roads, creating that proper woodland atmosphere where you can actually hear birdsong. Expect to spend an hour or two here if you're walking at a decent pace, longer if you fancy exploring the various offshoots.

Access appears to be free, though there's no formal car park that I could find - just pull up sensibly at the woodland edge. It works well as part of a Worcestershire break, especially if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Brook House Woods or The Rookery Woods. After a day tramping through Point Coppice, you'll appreciate getting back to a proper shower.