Cassiobury Park

The Grand Union Canal runs straight through Cassiobury Park, and that's really the heart of it. Three hundred acres of proper green space on Watford's doorstep, with tree-lined walks that follow the water all the way through. You've got meadows, woodland, and enough paths to keep you occupied for a good half-day without breaking a sweat.

It's the sort of place that works equally well for a solitary walk or dragging the family along. The canal towpath is flat and easy - no hills to grumble about - which makes it ideal if you've got young kids or anyone who finds steep terrain a nightmare. The park has play areas scattered about, though they're nothing fancy. What you're really here for is the space itself and that feeling of being properly out in nature without actually leaving Watford.

Walkers will love it because the paths are well maintained and you can stretch a route out as long as you fancy. The wildlife tends towards ducks, geese, and the occasional heron if you're lucky and quiet. Spring is lovely when things start blooming; autumn's decent too if you like that golden-light business.

It's free to enter and open all hours, which is handy. Give yourself two to three hours for a proper explore, though you could knock it back to an hour if you're just after a quick leg-stretch. If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Bushey Hall is just 1.4 miles away - Cassiobury makes for an easy, cost-free day out that doesn't feel like you're settling.