Nunton Recreation Ground

The Avon Valley around Salisbury has plenty of green space, but Nunton Recreation Ground is the sort of local spot that doesn't make it into guidebooks - which is rather the point. It's a proper nature reserve where the river does its meandering thing, bordered by meadows that flood seasonally and attract all manner of birds. The walking here is gentle and undemanding, following paths that locals clearly know well. You'll spot kingfishers if you're patient, and the whole setup feels refreshingly unstaged compared to bigger nature reserves elsewhere.

It's ideal if you're camped nearby - Salisbury Campsite at Bake Farm and Summerlands Caravan Park are both within a few miles, making this a natural extension of your base. Families with younger children will find it manageable enough for a morning wander, though there's not much in the way of facilities or interpretation boards, so don't expect entertainment beyond the actual walking and watching. Keen birdwatchers and river enthusiasts will get more from it. The reserve works best as a quiet add-on to a Salisbury trip rather than a destination in itself.

Weather matters here - visit after dry spells when the paths aren't boggy underfoot. Spring and early summer bring the most bird activity. Allow an hour to ninety minutes for a proper explore, less if you're just stretching your legs between campsites. Free to visit, with no obvious restrictions, though it pays to show respect for nesting seasons if you're going in spring.