Braywick Park

Braywick Park sits on the edge of Maidenhead like a proper breath of fresh air - 62 acres of riverside meadow and woodland that feels worlds away from the town's commuter belt. The Thames runs alongside it, and on a decent day you can wander between the water, open grassland, and tree-lined paths without seeing another soul for stretches at a time.

It's the sort of place where families with young children can let them loose on the grass while you actually relax, rather than hover anxiously. Walkers get decent loop routes along the river, though nothing demanding - expect an hour or so for a proper circuit. Birdwatchers come here regularly; the wetland areas attract proper numbers of waterfowl, and if you're quiet early morning you might spot something worth noting.

The park is free, which is always welcome, and there are no particular crowds outside summer weekends. Spring brings bluebells and wildflower meadows that look genuinely good. Autumn's equally nice if you prefer emptier paths and cleaner light for photographs.

If you're camping at RENT BELL TENTS or Hurleyford Farm nearby - both within 5 miles - this makes a cracking morning walk before breakfast or a late-afternoon mooch without committing to anything ambitious. It's not going to hold your attention all day, but as an adjunct to a riverside holiday in the area it does the job well. The Thames Path runs nearby too, so it works as a rest stop rather than a destination in itself.