Chetwynd Park

The woodland walks around Chetwynd Park are genuinely good if you're staying in the Market Drayton area and fancy a proper stretch of the legs. It's a nature reserve that doesn't shout about itself - no visitor centre or fancy signage - but that's rather the point. You get proper woodland, open grassland, and the kind of quiet that feels rare these days.

The paths are manageable and well-trodden, so families with younger kids won't struggle, though older children might find an hour is about the limit before they start kicking their heels. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars - it's decent for spotting woodland species, and the open areas attract buzzards if you're lucky. The best time is dawn or dusk when things are actually moving about, though that's not always practical on a family holiday.

What it isn't is a manicured tourist attraction. There's no admission fee, no café, no gift shop. You turn up, park sensibly, and walk. If that sounds appealing, it's excellent. If you're after facilities and Instagram moments, look elsewhere.

It sits nicely between the glamping spots around here - Copper Beech is closer at under five miles, while Westcott Woods is slightly further but supposed to be excellent if you want proper accommodation with a bit of comfort. From either base, Chetwynd Park makes a free morning or late afternoon outing that breaks up the holiday routine without requiring much planning.