University Wood

A proper woodland walk just outside Worcester, University Wood is the sort of place where you can lose an hour without meaning to. The trees run dense through here - mainly oak and beech - and there are enough criss-crossing paths to keep you wandering without ever feeling lost. It's a working woodland rather than a manicured country estate, which means it feels like an actual forest rather than a park with trees.

The woodland works best for families with children old enough to enjoy a bit of genuine exploring, or for walkers after a straightforward leg-stretcher rather than a technical hike. There's something about the casualness of it that appeals - no visitor centre, no shop, just you and the woods. The paths are generally decent underfoot, though they can get muddy in winter, so come prepared if the weather's been wet.

If you're staying at Ketch Caravan Park nearby, this is exactly the sort of place to fill a morning without any faffing about. It's free and there's no set opening hours to worry about - you can wander in whenever suits. Allow two to three hours if you want to meander properly rather than just dash through. Worth timing a visit for early autumn when the light filters through the canopy in that golden way, or spring when the woodland floor comes alive. The proximity to Worcester means you can combine it with the city's high street and riverside if you're after a proper day out rather than just a walk.