Openshaw Park

The woodland walks at Openshaw Park near Bury are what you come for - proper green lung stuff, with actual trees and birdsong rather than manicured borders. It's a genuine nature reserve, so expect wild rather than formal, which means you'll spot more wildlife but fewer fancy facilities. The paths are decent enough, though muddy after rain, and there's enough ground to keep you wandering for a solid couple of hours without feeling like you're going in circles.

Walkers and bird enthusiasts will get the most from it. Families with younger kids might find it a touch basic - there's no playground or cafe that I could find - but if you've got restless teenagers who need to burn off energy or parents keen on spotting something other than pigeons, this delivers. The reserve has the kind of quiet authenticity that's rare within easy reach of Bury town centre.

The real value shows itself if you're staying at Dearden Wood, the holiday park just five and a half miles south. Openshaw makes a proper morning or afternoon excursion when you want to get out of the caravan but aren't up for driving far. Admission appears to be free, which is refreshing - no sneaky charges at the gate.

Best visited outside peak holiday season when the paths are calmer. Spring brings migrant birds, autumn the colour, so time it right and you'll see why locals keep coming back. Not dramatic, not Instagram-friendly, just genuine.