Purton Dog Walking Field

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks near Swindon and your dog is going stir-crazy, Purton Dog Walking Field is exactly what you need. It's a proper off-lead space where dogs can actually run about without you having a heart attack every time they wander ten metres away. The field itself is straightforward - no fancy features, just open ground where animals can get some real exercise. Worth an hour of your morning if the weather's decent, especially if you're camping at Park Farm or Hoburne Cotswold just down the road.

You'll see dog owners from the local area, plenty of spaniels and Labs doing what they do best. It's free to use, which helps when you're already spending on accommodation. Best visited early morning or late afternoon - the field gets less crowded and dogs are happier in cooler temperatures anyway. Bring water, as there's no facilities to speak of.

This isn't a destination in itself. You're not driving fifty miles for it. But if you're basing yourself at one of the nearby parks for a week's break in Wiltshire, and you've got a dog that needs proper running space, it'll save your sanity. Families with energetic pets should slot it in a couple of times during their stay. If you don't have a dog, drive straight past.