Firs Gardens - Public park

The paths through Firs Gardens wind quietly through woodland and open grassland just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, offering exactly what you want from a local nature reserve - no fuss, no entrance fee, no crowds clogging up your afternoon. It's the sort of place where you'll spot bird life among the trees and find benches dotted about if you need to sit and actually look at something green for five minutes without thinking about the day's agenda.

Walkers get the most from it, particularly those after a gentle hour rather than anything strenuous. The grounds are well-maintained enough that you won't worry about pushing a buggy through mud, though it's not some manicured park either - there's proper woodland character here. The mix of planted trees and meadow space means there's always something different depending on the season. Spring brings bluebells if you time it right; autumn turns the canopy into the standard orange-and-gold show.

If you're staying at Rayford Caravan Park barely over a mile away or one of the other bases dotted around the area, Firs Gardens fills a slot on a drizzly afternoon or as a gentle warm-up before heading into town. Don't expect facilities or cafes - bring water and a packed lunch if you're making an afternoon of it. It's free, which helps when you're trying to keep a holiday budget under control. Check locally for opening times when you arrive, as details aren't always published online.