Barnwood Park and Arboretum

The arboretum at Barnwood Park sits just outside Gloucester and makes for a solid afternoon if you're based at one of the nearby caravan sites like Court Farm or Briarfields. It's essentially a collection of planted trees and shrubs spread across accessible parkland - the sort of place where you can wander for an hour or two without much structure, which suits some people and bores others rigid.

Walkers will get the most from it. The paths are straightforward enough, and there's something genuinely satisfying about spotting different species if you're into that sort of thing. Families with young kids might manage 45 minutes before the complaints start, unless you make it a treasure hunt spotting particular trees. It's also free, which counts for something when you're on a tight budget during a park holiday.

Go midweek if you can - weekends bring out the crowds. Spring's decent for blossom, autumn for colour, but honestly any season works if you're after a gentle stroll. The real pull here is that it breaks up a Gloucestershire break nicely without demanding much effort or planning. Pair it with a walk into central Gloucester and you've got a solid half-day sorted. Don't expect manicured gardens or themed installations. This is more about the trees themselves and the space they occupy.