River Arrow Nature Reserve

The River Arrow cuts through Warwickshire countryside just outside Alcester, and this nature reserve is where you actually want to be if you're after a proper walk without the crowds. It's a straightforward spot - the river itself does most of the heavy lifting, winding through woodland and open stretches where herons genuinely hang about waiting for fish. You get maybe two to three miles of riverbank walking depending on which way you head, and the whole thing feels less manicured than you'd expect from a designated reserve.

Walkers will find this properly rewarding. The paths are decent underfoot, though muddy after rain - not a complaint, just a fact. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars; you'll see kingfishers if you're patient and quiet. Families with older kids will manage fine, though toddlers might find the distance tiresome, and there's not much in the way of facilities or play areas to speak of.

With several caravan and glamping sites within five miles - Wixford Grange is closest, then Island Meadow and Orchard Lodge - this works well as a morning or afternoon activity during a park holiday in the area. Pop over from your pitch, stretch your legs for an hour or two, and you're back in time for lunch. Free to access and open year-round, though spring and autumn are the best times when the light's nice and the insects actually matter to the wildlife.