Bancroft splash park

Water sprays shooting up from the ground, kids squealing, someone's flip-flop getting absolutely soaked - that's Bancroft splash park near Hitchin. It's a straightforward setup: interactive water jets that fire off at random intervals, the kind of thing children between about two and ten find genuinely brilliant for an hour or so. On a warm day it's genuinely worth diverting to if you're camped nearby. Adults stand around looking slightly damp and slightly bored, but that's hardly the point.

The park sits within easy reach of several caravan and camping spots - Jacks Hill Caravans and Almshoe Glamping are both under three miles away, which makes it a handy option for families who need to burn off some energy without leaving the immediate area. Radwell Lake campsite, about four and a half miles out, is also close enough for a quick trip. Free admission makes it even more appealing when you're on a budget.

Timing-wise, go early morning or late afternoon if you want to avoid the school holiday crush. Midday in summer gets rammed. You'll need to bring a change of clothes - there's no getting around that - and shoes the kids don't mind getting waterlogged. Twenty minutes to an hour is the realistic window before children either run out of steam or start getting cold and grumpy. Fine as a quick stop rather than a destination in itself.