CATEGORY · FRESH AIR INCLUDED

Woodland & Forest in Reading

Woodland here doesn't mean a long trek out of town. Lousehill Copse is free and only a short way from the centre of Reading, and it's built for exactly this: no set path to stick to, just trees to wander between and dens to build. If you want something bigger and older, there's a longer trip out to Bernwood Forest in Aylesbury, ancient oak woodland with grassy rides and a butterfly trail that's worth timing for summer. For a quick after-school wander with younger children, Lousehill Copse is the easier choice, close by and free, with nothing to plan around. Bernwood suits a slower day out, dogs are welcome and it's fine to bring a picnic, so pack lunch and make an afternoon of the rides and the butterflies rather than rushing round. Both cost nothing to get into, so the only real decision is how far you fancy driving.

✓ 3 places✦ 3 free to visit