Wapley Bushes

A sprawling commons area on the edge of Wotton-under-Edge, Wapley Bushes is one of those places you stumble upon rather than plan for - and that's rather the point. It's open scrubland dotted with gorse and hawthorn, the kind of landscape that belongs more to wild Gloucestershire than to manicured gardens. The main draw is the walking. Paths crisscross the commons, offering proper views across the Severn Valley, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the Forest of Dean. Allow an hour or so to get a proper feel for it, though you could easily spend longer if you're the type to just wander.

Walkers will get the most from this place. It's not a destination attraction with a car park and a tearoom - there's a certain rough-around-the-edges quality that appeals to people who actually like being outdoors rather than just photographing it. The terrain is straightforward enough for families with older children, though younger ones might find it a bit exposed and boring after twenty minutes. Spring is decent if you like wildflowers, but frankly it's good year-round if the weather plays along.

If you're staying at Wixoldbury Farm Glamping nearby, this is an easy add-on to a park afternoon - close enough not to eat half your day, far enough away that it feels like proper countryside. Free to access, no faffing about with entrance fees. It won't blow your mind, but it's the sort of place that reminds you why Gloucestershire gets under your skin.