Moss Valley Country Park

The River Dee carves through this stretch of Flintshire countryside with real purpose, and Moss Valley Country Park sits right along its banks - a proper working landscape rather than some manicured visitor attraction. What you get here is woodland, riverside walks, and the sort of views that make you understand why people settled this valley in the first place.

It's a place for walkers more than anything else. The paths wind through mixed woodland, dip down to the water's edge, and occasionally open onto meadows where you can actually breathe. Kids will find it decent for an hour or so - there's space to run about and the water holds their attention - but it's not a full day's entertainment unless they're keen on spotting birds or identifying trees.

The nearest proper town is Chester, just a short drive away, which means you're well-positioned if you're basing yourself at one of the glamping spots nearby like Willow Farm or Honeypot Hideaways. Both are within easy reach and make logical pairing points for a couple of days exploring this bit of the border country.

November through March is when the woodlands show their bones best. Summer gets busy with families, which isn't bad, just busier. The admission situation and exact opening hours aren't clearly publicised, so ring ahead or check locally when you arrive in Chester. Worth the detour if you're in the area, though - genuine countryside, not theatre.