Woodside Nature Reserve

You'll find yourself walking through proper woodland the moment you arrive at Woodside Nature Reserve, just outside Ross-on-Wye. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think - no gift shops, no crowds fighting for space at viewing platforms, just trees and the occasional rustle of something wild.

The reserve works well for a couple of hours if you're after a decent woodland stroll. There are paths that meander through the site, and you get a real sense of what the landscape looked like before everything got tamed and manicured. Birdwatchers genuinely rate it, and if you're that way inclined, spring brings proper life to the place. Families with younger kids might find it a bit limited though - it's not the sort of spot where there's tons to keep them occupied beyond the novelty of "walking in the woods".

Based near Ross-on-Wye, it pairs nicely with the broader forest and river walking that defines this part of Herefordshire. If you're camping at Trippenkennett Farm - which sits about five miles away - you could easily pop over for an afternoon without it feeling like a major expedition. Entry appears to be free, which is refreshing, though it's worth checking ahead since information online is thin on the ground.

Go if you want a proper woodland breather. Skip it if you need something with more structure or facilities.