Great Hall Square

The wetland walk at Great Hall Square is genuinely worth an afternoon if you're staying around Garstang. It's the sort of place where you'll actually spot things - reed warblers, dragonflies, the odd heron if you're lucky and quiet enough. The boardwalk keeps your feet dry while you poke about among the reeds, and there's a proper sense of being somewhere wild, despite being only minutes from town.

This works well for families with older kids who won't complain about a gentle 45-minute stroll. Younger ones might find it a bit slow unless you're really into spotting wildlife. Birdwatchers will have their binoculars out for hours. The light in late afternoon is particularly good for photography if that's your thing.

Based near Garstang, you're well-positioned for a caravan holiday - Moss Wood is excellent if you want five-star facilities, or Mill House Farm Pods if you fancy something a bit different. Claylands sits between the two in terms of setup. Any of them make decent bases for exploring the Lancashire landscape beyond.

Access appears to be free, though I'd check locally before heading out as these things can change. Allow two hours if you're stopping to watch birds properly. Worth doing when the light's good and the wind isn't pushing the smell of the water your way.