Shobnall Park

A modest strip of woodland and grassland on Burton-on-Trent's doorstep, Shobnall Park is the sort of place locals know and visitors often miss. What you get here is straightforward - meandering paths through mixed woodland, open meadows that attract butterflies and small birds, and a genuine sense of quiet. It's not dramatic or particularly large, but that's rather the point.

Walkers will find it decent for a 45-minute ramble, long enough to feel like you've had a proper break without demanding half your day. The paths are generally well-kept and flat enough for pushchairs, making it workable with younger children, though they'll probably exhaust the place faster than you might hope. Keen birdwatchers sometimes find it rewarding, especially during spring migration.

The real appeal lies in its straightforward accessibility - no ticket barriers, no entrance fees, just green space that feels refreshingly uncommercial. Given its proximity to Burton-on-Trent town centre, it works as a quick leg-stretch if you're staying in town rather than a destination in itself. If you're based at Peake's Retreats, which sits just two and a half miles away, this is a reasonable alternative to driving elsewhere, though the nearby Cannock Chase offers substantially more dramatic walking if you've got wheels and want to make a proper day of it. Spring and early summer are best - the meadows come alive and the woodland canopy fills out properly.