Brigstock Country Park

A sprawl of green space just outside Peterborough that feels properly removed from the town despite being within easy driving distance. Brigstock Country Park is the sort of place you'd bring a packed lunch and actually want to stay for the afternoon, rather than tick off in twenty minutes.

The park itself centres on woodland and open meadow - good for a gentle walk if you're not after anything strenuous, and the kind of spot where kids can actually run about without you watching the clock. There's water features dotted through, which appeals to younger visitors looking for something to investigate. The paths are manageable rather than challenging, so it works equally well for families with pushchairs or older relatives who want a mooch about without scrambling over roots.

Bringing your own food is the whole point here - tables are dotted about if you want structure, or you can find a shaded spot under the trees and make an afternoon of it. In summer it can get busy on weekends, but weekday visits are considerably more peaceful. Spring and early autumn are proper crackers for weather and fewer midges.

If you're based at Brightside Caravan Park nearby, this is the obvious half-day option to break up a longer holiday without travelling far. It's not a destination in itself - you're not going to plan a trip around it - but as part of a Northamptonshire park holiday, it slots in nicely. Free entry, from what I can gather, though you'll want to ring ahead to check current facilities.