Burrs Country Park

The River Irwell winds through this proper green space on Bury's doorstep, and it's one of those places that feels genuinely removed from the town centre despite being minutes away. You get woodland walks, open meadows, and a riverside path that's far more pleasant than you'd expect given the surrounding urban area. The park has that slightly wild quality - overgrown in places, undermanaged in others - which makes it feel authentic rather than sanitised.

Walkers will find the most to enjoy here. The trails follow the river valley and there's enough ground to fill a solid couple of hours without feeling like you're treading the same route twice. Families with younger kids might do an hour circuit and call it a day, though there's a decent stretch of open space if anyone needs room to burn energy. History buffs will be interested in the old mill buildings that punctuate the landscape - relics of Lancashire's industrial past that dot the riverside.

The real strength of Burrs is its proximity to the campsite within the park itself. Stay at the Caravan and Motorhome Club site and you've got immediate access to miles of walking without ever loading the car. It's ideal for breaking up a touring holiday or as a base for exploring north Lancashire. The park works as a proper nature reserve too - wildlife corridors along the Irwell mean you'll spot kingfishers and herons if you're patient.