Friars Walk

Walk along the Trent Valley and you'll stumble onto something quietly rewarding - a nature reserve that doesn't bang on about itself. Friars Walk, just outside Burton-on-Trent, is essentially a stretch of riverside habitat where the Trent does its thing without fanfare.

It's the sort of place where serious birdwatchers come with binoculars and notebooks, though you don't need to be obsessive to enjoy it. The walk itself follows the river through woodland and open grassland - nothing dramatic, but proper pleasant. You'll see warblers in spring, wintering visitors in autumn, and if you're lucky, kingfishers darting between the reeds. The paths are mostly flat and well-trodden, so families with younger kids won't struggle, though there's not much to do once you've walked the loop. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're stopping to watch wildlife.

There's no visitor centre or café, so bring a packed lunch if you want to linger. Free to access, naturally. The real appeal is for nature enthusiasts and walkers who prefer solitude to Instagram moments. It's the kind of reserve that rewards patience - sit still for ten minutes and you'll see more than rushing through in thirty.

If you're staying at Peake's Retreats nearby, this is an easy add-on to your park holiday. It won't consume your day, but it'll give you something genuine to do beyond the caravan.