Holcombe Brook Dog Park

Off a quiet lane near West Hill, Holcombe Brook Dog Park is exactly what it says on the tin - a proper spot for your dog to run itself ragged without a lead in sight. The park sits alongside the brook itself, so there's water, grass, and enough space for even the bounciest spaniel to tire out before teatime.

This is entirely for dog owners, really. If you're staying at Cuckoo Down Farm Glamping or Oakdown just up the road, it's a godsend on days when your pooch needs a proper off-lead session. Most folk spend an hour or so here, letting their dogs paddle in the brook and chase each other round the open ground. No facilities to speak of that I could see - it's not fancy - but that's rather the point. You'll want to bring water for the dog and maybe a towel if they're getting mucky in the stream.

Worth the detour if you've got a dog. Worth your time if you haven't? Probably not. But chain up your four-legged friend and this becomes essential rather than optional. The brook itself is the real appeal - dogs absolutely lose their minds for it in warm weather. Go midweek if you can, as weekends can get a bit rammed with fellow dog walkers. Summer's lovely here, though winter's fine too if you don't mind the mud.