Naunton Park

Just outside Cheltenham, Naunton Park is a proper nature reserve that catches most visitors off guard - it's far less crowded than the manicured gardens you'd expect in this part of Gloucestershire. The park sprawls across grassland and woodland, with walking trails that wind through native trees and open spaces where you're genuinely likely to spot wildlife rather than crowds of school groups.

This is where to come if you're after a proper walk without the postcard tourism. Birdwatchers get the most from the reserve - the ponds and scrubby areas attract warblers, woodpeckers, and the occasional rare visitor. Families with older kids will find the trails manageable, though it's not the sort of place where toddlers in buggies will have much fun. Most people spend between one and two hours here, which feels about right.

Access appears to be free, though you'll want to check locally before heading out - opening hours aren't widely advertised online. The reserve works well as part of a wider Cheltenham trip rather than a destination in itself. If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping sites like Big Skies or Coxhorne - both within a couple of miles - it makes for a morning outing before heading into town or exploring the wider Cotswolds. The walking is gentle enough that it won't exhaust you before tackling other attractions, but substantial enough to feel worthwhile. Go early if you want any chance of seeing the birds properly.