Church Slade

Church Slade is a proper woodland walk just outside Northampton, the kind of place locals know about but tourists often miss. It's a working forest rather than a manicured park - you'll find yourself among mature trees with decent pathways threading through, offering decent shelter if the weather turns. The main appeal here is straightforward: peace and a bit of exercise without the crowds you'd get at a more famous spot.

Walkers will get the most from it. There's enough ground to cover for a solid hour or two depending on how far you fancy going, and the woodland canopy means it works even when the Northampton weather is being a bit grim. Kids can burn off energy on the paths, though there's nothing flashy here - no play equipment or visitor facilities that I could find. Bring a packed lunch if you're making a day of it.

If you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks like Billing Aquadrome or Grendon Lakes, Church Slade makes a proper alternative to spending another afternoon at the water sports centres. It's close enough for a morning walk without eating into your day. The ground can get muddy after rain, so waterproof boots are worth the space in your car. Free access as far as I can tell, which is refreshing. Best visited outside school holidays unless you're keen on company.