Priory Wood

Walking into Priory Wood near Chippenham feels like stepping back in time - the ancient trees tower overhead and the ground beneath your feet is thick with centuries of fallen leaves. This is proper woodland, the kind that rewards a slow ramble rather than a quick march through. The paths wind through dense forest with enough space to feel wild but not so overgrown that you'll lose your way, and on a clear day the light filters through the canopy in that particular way that makes you understand why people write poetry about forests.

It's ideal for families who want their kids to burn off some energy without the circus of a managed attraction - no entrance fees, no gift shop, just trees and the occasional birdsong to interrupt your thoughts. Walkers will appreciate the genuine woodland feel; history buffs might find the name intriguing, though there's not much visible evidence of the priory itself these days. Allow 45 minutes to an hour for a decent circuit, longer if you're the sort to stop and identify plants.

The nearest campsite is The Moors, just 1.4 miles away, which makes Priory Wood a proper winner if you're basing yourself at one of the local parks. Plough Lane Caravan Site is only marginally further if you're after something closer to Chippenham town centre. Go in autumn when the leaf cover is still thick but the undergrowth has died back - you'll see considerably more of the woodland floor and find walking considerably easier.