Larne Town Park

The path down from the car park curves through trees and opens onto a proper green space that's both civic park and nature reserve rolled into one. It's not massive - you can walk the whole thing in under an hour without dawdling - but there's enough going on to make it worth an afternoon if you're staying nearby in Larne.

You get grassland, mature trees, and enough woodland to feel like you've stepped away from the town, even though the edges are clearly defined by houses and roads. The main appeal is straightforward: it's a decent spot for a walk, families with younger kids won't get bored, and there are benches dotted about if you just want to sit and decompress. Birdwatchers might linger longer than others.

Timing-wise, allow 45 minutes to an hour for a proper mooch, longer if you're the stopping-to-look-at-things type. There's no admission fee as far as we can tell, and it's always accessible. Spring and early summer are the best times - the trees are in proper leaf and there's more activity.

If you're based at Down to Earth Wild Camping just down the road, this makes a straightforward morning or late afternoon walk before settling in for the evening. It's not a destination in itself, but it's a solid local space that takes the edge off a busy day. Larne's proximity to the coast means you could easily combine this with a beach walk or a pint in town.