Millennium Park Bushmills

You can walk straight from Bushmills village into proper woodland that actually feels like you've left civilisation behind, which is the whole point of Millennium Park. It's a nature reserve done right - genuine forest floor, stream runs through it, the kind of place where you might spot a red squirrel if you're lucky and quiet enough.

The trails wind through mixed woodland without feeling overly managed or manicured. There's a real sense of wildness here, especially if you venture beyond the main paths. Allow a couple of hours to do it justice, though you could grab an hour's worth if you're just passing through from Bushmills town centre.

This works brilliantly if you're staying at Causeway Country Pods nearby - you've got somewhere proper to walk that doesn't require a car journey. Families with older kids will get more from it than those with toddlers, as there's actual terrain to negotiate and wildlife to hunt for rather than playground equipment. History types won't find much here; this is pure nature reserve stuff, no visitor centre or interpretive panels.

Free to access as far as I'm aware, and there's usually decent parking. Best visited when the ground isn't waterlogged - it can get boggy - and early morning gives you the best shot at seeing wildlife. If you're doing the Causeway Coast route, this breaks up the drive nicely and gives you a proper woodland reset before you hit the main attractions.