Boilton Wood Local Nature Reserve

You won't find crowds at Boilton Wood, which is rather the point. This Lancashire nature reserve sits a few miles outside Preston and appeals to anyone wanting a proper woodland walk without the tourist infrastructure. The woodland itself is decent - mixed trees, some paths that are actually maintained, and enough space to get away from the car park noise for twenty minutes or so.

What you're really after here is birds and a bit of peace. Bring binoculars if you're into spotting, otherwise just enjoy the shade and the fact that you can actually hear yourself think. It's the sort of place where families with young kids work well - short enough that toddlers won't lose interest, but with enough room to let them run about safely. Older kids who are already into nature will get more from it than those expecting amusements.

The reserve appears to be free - at least there's no mention of fees - and you can turn up whenever daylight permits. Allow an hour or so, maybe ninety minutes if you're the type who stops to examine every moss-covered log. The weather matters here more than most places. Go when it's dry.

If you're staying at one of the holiday parks nearby - Beacon Fell View or Wigwam Holidays Kidsnape Farm are both close by - Boilton Wood works as a convenient morning outing before you head somewhere bigger. It's not a headline attraction, but it's exactly what it says on the tin: a local wood where locals walk. Sometimes that's enough.