Eardington Nature Reserve

The Severn Valley's quiet side reveals itself at Eardington Nature Reserve, a modest but proper little spot just outside Bridgnorth where the river meanders through woodland and open grassland. There's a decent walk to be had here - nothing strenuous, but enough to feel like you've done something - and if you're into birds or spotting dragonflies in summer, you'll find plenty to keep you occupied for an hour or two.

The reserve is free to access and works brilliantly as a half-day outing if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Stanmore Hall or Park Grange. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which sounds daft until you've been round the busier tourist spots in Shropshire. Families with young kids will manage the paths fine, though there's not much in the way of facilities, so pack a drink.

Best visited in spring or early summer when the place is alive with activity. Come winter and it's a bit bleak, to be honest. The real value is in the quiet - it's genuinely understated compared to the more famous nature spots round here. If you're a keen walker or a proper bird spotter, absolutely worth the detour from Bridgnorth. If you're expecting dramatic views or dramatic anything, you might find it a touch underwhelming. But as a calm morning's wander between glamping sessions at Hay & Hedgerow or touring pitches nearby, it does the job properly.