Lytham Green

The Green at Lytham is a sprawling, windswept stretch of open grassland that runs down to the Lancashire coast, and it's genuinely one of those places that rewards a proper wander rather than a quick photo stop. You've got wide open views across the Ribble estuary, salt marshes, and on a clear day the Pennines rise up in the distance. The nature reserve itself is what makes it tick - it's managed for wildlife, so birdwatchers will find plenty to keep them occupied, particularly during migration seasons when waders and wildfowl move through. Families will get a kick out of the flat, easy walking and the sheer space to let kids run about without worrying about traffic. The seafront promenade is proper pleasant, and there's an old windmill at the southern end if you fancy a bit of structure to your visit.

It's free to access and you can spend anything from 45 minutes to half a day here depending on whether you're just stretching your legs or doing the full nature reserve loop. The best time is early morning when the light's good and the birds are most active. Lytham itself is only a mile or so away, so it's an easy addition to a coastal wander. If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Sea View, Manor House, or Pipers Height are all within a couple of miles - this becomes a regular spot rather than a special trip. It's not dramatic or showy, but it's honest and it works, particularly if you want to get away from the busier beach towns around Preston.