Bettisfield Park

You'll find yourself on proper Cheshire wetland here - Bettisfield Park is a working nature reserve where the main draw is watching birds do their thing across pools and reedbeds. It's the kind of place where you bring binoculars and patience in equal measure. The reserve sits just outside Ellesmere, which is useful for grabbing supplies or a proper lunch afterwards.

This isn't a destination for the fidgety. Walkers and twitchers will get hours out of it, especially during migration seasons when you might spot something unusual. Families with children old enough to sit quietly have a decent shot, but under-tens tend to lose interest after the first half-hour of "when will we see something?". The paths are flat and easy enough, which is the one thing going for it if you're not a dedicated birdwatcher.

Access details are thin on the ground - best bet is ringing ahead or checking the Cheshire Wildlife Trust website, as they manage the site. It's free to visit, which is always welcome. Allow two to three hours if you're serious about it, less if you're just having a wander.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Fernwood, Colemere, or Archers' Meadow are all within a few miles - it's worth a morning visit. On its own, though, it's more of an add-on than a reason to plan your entire trip around.