Riversley Park Pitch & Putt

There's a nine-hole pitch and putt course tucked into Riversley Park on the outskirts of Atherstone, and it's the sort of place that works best on a lazy afternoon when you've nothing better to do. The course winds through the park itself, so you get greenery and space rather than the cramped-feeling driving range experience. It's short enough that a family can play through in under an hour, which means the kids won't get restless, and beginners won't feel completely out of their depth.

The course is straightforward - no enormous distances or tricky water hazards to send your ball flying into the trees. This makes it genuinely enjoyable rather than punishing, which is precisely the appeal of pitch and putt golf. You're out in the fresh air, getting some exercise, and the competitive spirit stays friendly.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Five Ways Lakes or Lime Tree, both within five or six miles - it's a decent half-day activity that breaks up the holiday without requiring a big commitment. Best visited on a weekday morning if you can swing it, when it's quiet and you're not queuing behind groups.

Check opening times and green fees before you head over; details aren't readily available online, so a quick phone call to Atherstone tourist information should sort you out. Not somewhere you'd plan a trip around specifically, but well worth a go if you're already in the area and fancy something low-key.