Whitewalls Wood

The woodland around Whitewalls, just outside Malmesbury, offers a proper escape if you're after quiet forest walks rather than manicured trails. It's the sort of place where you actually feel like you've left somewhere - dense tree cover, soft ground underfoot, and the kind of silence that only happens when you're away from the main roads.

What you're getting is straightforward woodland walking. There are paths threading through, though they're not signposted to death, so you'll need to pay attention or download a map beforehand. The trees are tall enough to block out most of the sky, which is lovely on a scorching day but means it can feel a bit gloomy in winter. Expect to spend anything from forty minutes to two hours depending on which direction you wander and how often you stop to listen to the birds.

This works best for people who actually enjoy a forest walk - not the Instagram version, just the real thing. Families with older kids will be fine; younger ones might find it dull without a clear destination. History buffs won't find much here; it's nature rather than heritage.

If you're based at Burton Hill Caravan & Camping Park or the glamping at Whychurch Farm, both just a few miles away, this makes a decent afternoon outing. Free to access, no opening hours nonsense. Go early on weekends if you want it to yourself. Not a destination in itself, but absolutely worth the short drive if you're spending time in the area.