Sheepy Wood

The woodland around Sheepy Wood isn't going to blow your mind with dramatic vistas or rare wildlife sightings, but it's the sort of place that earns its keep on a grey Leicestershire afternoon. You get proper trees, decent footpaths threading through them, and enough space to actually think without bumping into other walkers.

It's positioned near Atherstone, which means it sits nicely between the Bosworth battlefields and the canal network that runs through this bit of the Midlands. If you're staying at Bosworth Lakeside Lodges, you're only 3.5 miles away - close enough for a morning wander before breakfast. The Dandelion Hideaway glamping site is a bit further out at 5 miles, but still within easy reach if you fancy stretching your legs.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a destination in itself, but rather a useful pit stop - the sort of wood you might explore for 45 minutes to an hour without feeling like you've wasted the petrol. Families with young kids might find it a touch unremarkable; older children who actually want to get some pace up will be happier here than faffing about in manicured parks.

You won't need to book anything or pay entry. Parking and facilities are another matter entirely - best to assume you'll need to sort yourself out before you arrive. The wood works best as part of a wider loop rather than a destination all on its own.