Stockwell Spinney

Walk into Stockwell Spinney and you're immediately surrounded by proper woodland - the kind of place where the light filters through in that particular way that makes you forget you're only a few miles from Shipston-on-Stour. It's a small forest, not vast, but dense enough to feel like you've genuinely stepped away from things.

This is fundamentally a walker's spot. There are paths threading through, though don't expect them to be manicured or signposted to death. The ground can be boggy after rain - waterproof boots aren't a luxury. You'll see native trees, seasonal fungi, the occasional deer if you're lucky and quiet. Kids will enjoy it for an hour or so, though if they need play equipment or a visitor centre, they'll be disappointed.

The spinney works best as a morning walk before heading into Shipston for lunch, or as a leg-stretcher between longer outings. Allow 45 minutes to an hour depending on how thoroughly you want to wander. There's no facilities to speak of, so come prepared.

If you're based at one of the nearby campsites - Aylesmore Farm is closest at less than a mile - this is perfect for burning off some restless energy before breakfast. It's free to access (as far as the general public can tell) and operates on that old-school honour system where nobody minds you passing through. Don't expect Instagram moments, but do expect actual woodland, actual quiet.