Queens Park

The reserve sits on the edge of Crewe, a proper working town that doesn't pretend to be anything it isn't. Queens Park is where locals come to escape the sprawl, and honestly, it's a solid spot if you're camping nearby at Oakwood Campsite or The Willows Touring Park.

It's a nature reserve, so expect woodland walks, open grassland, and the kind of place where you might actually spot something wildlife-wise if you're quiet enough. The paths are well-maintained and reasonably flat - no dramatic hills, which means families with younger kids won't spend half the visit complaining about their legs. There's proper parking, which is always a bonus when you're trying to wrangle a carload of people.

The real value here is as a morning or afternoon break during a longer park holiday. You won't spend four hours here - an hour to ninety minutes gets you round the main trails with time for a sit-down. It's the kind of place that works better in spring or early autumn when you're not melting in the sun or getting ambushed by midges.

For serious walkers, this won't challenge you. For families wanting fresh air without drama, it does exactly what it says on the tin. Birdwatchers might find it worthwhile depending on the season. Check ahead about facilities before you visit - the reserve's website situation is unclear, so a phone call to the Crewe visitor centre wouldn't hurt. It's free to access, which keeps costs down during a camping trip.