Pittville Park

The lake at Pittville Park is the real draw here - a proper Victorian engineering feat that Cheltenham locals have been making the most of for nearly two centuries. You get a decent walk around the water, decent enough to feel like you've actually moved your legs, and the parkland itself is well-maintained without feeling fussed over. There's a lake, yes, but also open grass, a few trees dotted about, and the kind of peaceful quiet you're after when you've had enough of town centre Cheltenham.

Families with younger kids will find it manageable - there's room to run about and the path is straightforward - though it's not exactly packed with bells and whistles. If you're a keen walker or someone who just wants a couple of hours pottering about with a cup of tea from wherever the cafe is (and there likely is one), this slots in nicely. Birdwatchers might get something from it too.

Camped at one of the caravan parks within walking distance - Cheltenham Racecourse Caravan and Motorhome Club is barely half a mile away - and you could easily make this part of a wider Cheltenham exploration. It's free, as far as I can tell, and worth an hour or so. Don't expect dramatic vistas or rare wildlife. Just a pleasant Cotswold town park that does what it says on the tin.