Preston Brook Marina

The marina sits quietly along the Weaver Navigation, a working waterway that feels far removed from the motorway chaos just across the fields. There's something oddly peaceful about watching narrowboats come and go while you stand on the towpath - you get the sense this place has been doing the same thing for decades, and nobody's bothered to make a fuss about it.

Walkers love it. The towpath stretches for miles if you fancy a proper hike, and it's flat throughout - brilliant if you've got older relatives or young kids on scooters. You can walk towards Frodsham and pick up different views across the Cheshire plain, or head the opposite direction towards Runcorn. It's not dramatic scenery, but it's got character.

The marina itself is functional rather than fancy. A handful of boats, some anglers, the occasional heron. If you're staying at The Ridgeway Country Holiday Park just down the road, this makes an easy evening wander - twenty minutes from the site and you're there. Bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching; the water attracts plenty.

There's no visitor centre or cafe to speak of, so come prepared with a flask. It's free to walk the towpath whenever you like. Best visited outside school holidays when the place feels genuinely peaceful rather than busy with day-trippers. Worth half an hour of your time if you're in the area, though don't expect thrills.