River Meadow Dog Walking Fields

The clue's in the name, really - this is where Stratford-upon-Avon's dog owners actually take their mutts to run about. River Meadow Dog Walking Fields is exactly what it says on the tin: open grassland beside the water where your spaniel can finally have a proper gallop without you worrying about sheep or the farmer's mood.

It's flat, well-maintained, and genuinely useful if you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted around the area - Monks' Barn Farm is less than a mile away, and Dodwell Park even closer. The fields open straight onto the riverside, so there's a decent walk to be had if you fancy extending beyond just letting the dog loose for twenty minutes. Bring a ball. Your dog will thank you more than any Shakespeare birthplace ever could.

There's no admission charge and no faffing about - it's just free public access for anyone with a four-legged friend who needs burning off. Best visited early morning or late afternoon if you want to avoid the midday crowds of other holidaymakers doing exactly the same thing. Even if you're not staying locally, it's worth knowing about if you're based anywhere around Stratford and travelling with a pooch. Won't take more than an hour or so, but it's the sort of place that makes a proper difference to a dog holiday.