Styche Wood

You'll find yourself walking beneath proper old woodland when you head into Styche Wood near Nantwich. It's the sort of place where the canopy gets thick enough that you genuinely feel removed from the world - no manicured paths or visitor centre nonsense, just trees doing what trees do. The wood sits on the Shropshire-Cheshire border, which means it's got that quiet, slightly wild character that makes you understand why people move to this part of the country.

Walkers will get the most out of this one. It's not a destination that demands three hours of your time - an hour's ramble does the job nicely - but it's the kind of place you'll appreciate if you're after something genuine rather than another Instagram-friendly spot. Bring proper boots though; the ground can be boggy depending on recent weather, and there's nothing worse than squelching through woodland in trainers.

If you're staying at Hawk Lake or Westcott Woods Glamping nearby, this makes a solid morning walk before heading back for breakfast. The intimacy of the place appeals to those who'd rather not navigate crowds. Kids might find it a bit samey after twenty minutes unless they're into den-building and spotting whatever wildlife decides to show itself. Spring's your best bet, when the woodland floor comes alive.

It's free to access and operates on the honour system - which tells you something about the kind of place this is. No faffing about with car parks or admission fees. Just park sensibly at the edge and go in.