Alderley Edge Park

The sandstone ridge that rises abruptly from the Cheshire plain is the real draw here - you'll spot it from miles around, this distinctive wooded escarpment climbing to about 500 feet. Alderley Edge itself is a proper walker's destination, with a network of trails threading through mixed woodland and across open moorland at the top. The views from the ridge sweep across the Peckforton Hills and on a clear day you can see right across to the Welsh hills.

It's ideal for families who don't mind a moderate climb - the main paths are well-maintained and the woodland feels ancient in the best way, though expect muddy patches after rain. History buffs will appreciate the old copper mines dotted across the ridge, relics from centuries of mining activity, while the sandstone rock formations themselves are frankly impressive up close. Allow two to three hours for a decent circuit, longer if you're stopping to explore every path.

The site is free and open year-round, though it's busiest on weekends and school holidays. Winter can be gloomy under the dense canopy, so spring and autumn offer better light and fewer crowds. If you're staying at Sycamore Farm Caravan Site just down in Macclesfield, this is an easy morning or afternoon outing - the ridge sits barely two miles away. The nearby town itself is worth a wander for lunch before heading up, though be honest, most visitors come for the walk itself rather than what's at the bottom.