North Lawn

The North Lawn is essentially what it says on the tin - a open green space in Marlow where locals actually gather rather than somewhere you'd travel miles to see. It's a proper community spot, the kind of place where you might find a cricket match on a summer weekend or families sprawled out with picnics when the weather's decent. The grass is well-maintained and there's room to roam, which counts for something if you've got restless kids or just fancy a bit of open air.

For a family holiday based at one of the nearby camping spots - Bella Vista, Chiltern Retreat, or Home Farm are all within a couple of miles - this works as an easy afternoon break rather than a main event. Pack a ball, bring a book, let the children run about. It's the sort of place where an hour is enough, then you move on to something with more of a draw. History buffs won't find anything to chew on here. Walkers might use it as a starting point for a longer stroll into Marlow itself, which has far more character.

The big advantage is that it's genuinely free and requires nothing in the way of planning. Just turn up. No tickets, no opening hours to worry about, no queues. In high summer it can get busy with the local crowd, so if you want peace and quiet, aim for a weekday morning. It's a useful amenity rather than a destination, and that's perfectly fine for a camping holiday where you're already getting your entertainment from riverside walks and the surrounding Chiltern countryside.