Coronation Park

The River Tay cuts through Coronation Park like it owns the place, which technically it does. This nature reserve on Perth's doorstep is where locals come to remember that Perthshire isn't just about whisky distilleries and tartan shops - it's got proper wild spaces too. You're walking through riverside meadows and woodland, spotting whatever birds have decided to show up that day. The paths are manageable, nothing that'll leave you gasping, and the whole thing has that feeling of being genuinely looked after without being manicured to death.

It works best for anyone who wants to stretch their legs without committing to a full hillside trek. Families with young kids will find enough to keep them occupied - the river's always interesting, and there's space to run about. Serious birdwatchers should bring decent binoculars; spring and autumn see the most activity. The reserve is free, and you can knock around for an hour or potter about for three depending on your mood.

If you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Braidhaugh is closest at 2.4 miles, though Inver Mill Farm and Comrie Croft both get five-star reviews - Coronation Park makes a solid morning or late-afternoon detour. It's the sort of place that slots nicely into a Perthshire holiday without demanding much planning. Nothing flashy, but genuinely useful if you want to see what the Tay valley actually looks like when you get off the main road.