Tomtits Bottom

The name alone makes you smile, and Tomtits Bottom lives up to it - a proper little woodland tucked away in the Gloucestershire countryside between Cheltenham and the Forest of Dean. It's the kind of place locals know about but tourists drive straight past, which is exactly what makes it worth stopping for.

You're essentially wandering through mixed deciduous forest with streams running through it, the sort of woodland that feels untouched without actually being wild. The canopy's thick enough that even on scorching days it stays cool and shaded. Paths meander through without being aggressively marked or manicured - they feel organic, which matters.

It's ideal for a two-hour walk rather than a half-day commitment. Families with children under eight might find it a bit samey after 45 minutes unless they're proper nature kids. Walkers after something less strenuous than the Cotswold hills will appreciate the gentle gradients. Photographers get decent woodland light, especially late afternoon when it filters through the trees.

The nearest base is Cheltenham, though if you're staying at Mayfield Park just six miles away, this is genuinely worth the short drive. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of - bring your own water and don't expect a café at the end. Free access, no admission charge. Best visited autumn or spring when the crowds are minimal and the woodland actually feels like you've discovered something. Summer's lovely too, but predictably busier.