Monkton Park

Just outside Chippenham, Monkton Park is a proper little nature reserve that catches you off guard if you're not expecting it. The mix of woodland, grassland and water creates the sort of habitat that pulls in birds, insects and the odd walker who's stumbled off the beaten track. It's the kind of place where you might spot something interesting - a flash of a kingfisher, a newt in the pond - without needing to be a serious twitcher to enjoy it.

The site works best for people who actually like walking quietly and watching things. If your kids demand constant entertainment or thrills, this won't cut it. But families who enjoy a gentler pace through nature, or anyone with binoculars and a wildlife guide, will find it worthwhile. The trails are straightforward enough, though conditions can get boggy after rain.

Admission appears free, though information online is patchy - worth ringing ahead to confirm details and opening times before you visit. Allow a couple of hours if you're the type to pause and look properly at things, less if you're just passing through.

It's handy if you're based at one of the nearby caravan sites around Chippenham - Roe Deer Fields is barely ten minutes away, and The Moors Campsite only slightly further. Pair it with a walk into Chippenham town itself or explore the River Avon countryside nearby. It's not a day's entertainment on its own, but as part of a wider trip around North Wiltshire, it fills a gap nicely.