Hanchett Meadow Secure Dog Field

Your dog will have the run of the place at Hanchett Meadow, a secure field near Saffron Walden where off-lead time happens without the anxiety of chasing rabbits into the next county. It's straightforward really - open space, properly fenced, designed so your spaniel or terrier can actually be a dog for once without you white-knuckling the lead.

The meadow suits anyone with a four-legged friend who's either desperate for exercise or needs to burn off some neurotic energy. Older dogs seem to appreciate the calm atmosphere just as much as the young ones tearing about like maniacs. You're looking at between half an hour and two hours depending on how knackered your pooch gets - and trust me, they always get more knackered than you'd expect.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - HappenOak Treehouse and Readers Field Glamping both score top marks - Hanchett Meadow is a proper godsend. Breaking up a week with somewhere your dog can genuinely relax means the rest of the holiday runs smoother. Piggles Retreat is another solid option nearby if you're after that glamping vibe.

Bring water, especially in summer. The field can get boggy in winter, so wellies make sense. No facilities that I'm aware of, so plan accordingly. It's free to use and genuinely useful rather than fancy - exactly what dog owners actually need.