Riversley Park

The River Anker winds through Riversley Park like it's got all the time in the world, and you'll feel the same way once you're in there. This nature reserve sits just outside Atherstone and gives you proper riverside walking without the crowds you'd get at somewhere more famous. The park's a decent size - you can easily spend two or three hours wandering the paths, spotting waterfowl, and just breathing in the fact that you're nowhere near a car park queue.

It's the kind of place that appeals to walkers more than families with young kids, though there's nothing stopping anyone from having a look around. The terrain's manageable, nothing steep, and the riverside setting means you're never quite sure what you'll spot next - kingfishers if you're lucky, herons most visits, various ducks doing their thing. Spring's particularly good here when the birds are nesting.

Riversley works well as a break between longer drives or as your morning activity if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - 5 Ways Lakes and Lime Tree Caravan Park are both within five miles. It's free to access, no faffing about with tickets, and there's a real sense that you've found somewhere locals actually use rather than a tourist trap. The paths are well maintained and signposted, so you won't spend half your time wondering if you've gone the right way. Come midweek if you can; weekends bring out the dog walkers and it gets a bit busier than ideal.