Priory Park

The River Great Ouse winds through Priory Park like it's got nowhere particular to be, and honestly, that's the whole appeal. This Cambridgeshire nature reserve sits just outside St. Neots and gives you proper woodland walks without the pretence - paths loop through decent stretches of riverside habitat, and it's the sort of place where you might actually spot something interesting rather than just tick a box.

The park works well for families who don't need attractions with logos. Kids will spend a proper hour exploring the water's edge and poking about in the undergrowth, though once they've done that, they're done. Walkers get more from it - the terrain's gentle, nothing punishing, and the river views break up the tree cover nicely. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars; this stretch of the Ouse pulls in reasonable numbers of wetland species depending on the season.

Access details are thin on the ground online, so ring ahead before you drive over. The reserve sits conveniently close to St. Neots Camping and Caravanning Club Site, barely a mile and a half away, making it an easy add-on for a caravan holiday. If you're staying at Cambridgeshire Lakes or Grafham Water further afield, it's still doable as a morning visit. Grafham itself is excellent for water sports if you want something more structured alongside this quieter woodland option.

Worth the detour? If you're in the area and fancy a gentle walk with actual habitat instead of mown grass, yes. Don't make a special trip, though.