Cress Hill

Pack a proper picnic and head up to this elevated spot just outside Stratford-upon-Avon for views that stretch well beyond the Warwickshire countryside. Cress Hill offers the sort of simple pleasure that's become increasingly rare - a patch of grass where you can spread a blanket without paying admission or booking ahead.

Families with young children will find plenty of space for kids to run about safely, while the gentle slopes make it accessible for most visitors. The elevated position means you'll catch a decent breeze on warmer days, though that same exposure can make it feel rather brisk in winter months.

Timing your visit for late afternoon works well, particularly if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Welford Riverside Park or Orchard Lodge. The light's lovely then, and you can make an evening of it without the usual rush to get back before dark. Being so close to Stratford-upon-Avon means you can easily combine this with a morning exploring the town's Shakespeare connections.

Don't expect facilities beyond the basics - bring everything you need including drinks and something to sit on. It's refreshingly uncommercial, which is exactly what makes it work. The sort of place where doing absolutely nothing feels like the perfect plan.