Skewen Park

The Tawe valley opens up properly once you hit Skewen Park - a sprawling nature reserve on Swansea's doorstep that feels worlds away from the town centre. It's woodland and open grassland strung along the river, with paths that let you pick your mood: a gentle riverside stroll or something with a bit more grunt if you fancy climbing the higher slopes.

You'll spot the usual suspects - buzzards overhead, maybe a heron if you're patient by the water - and the place draws a good mix of dog walkers, serious birders, and families who just want their kids to burn off some energy without paying for the privilege. Bring binoculars if you're into that sort of thing. The river itself is the real draw here; it's not dramatic or wild, but it's proper peaceful on a weekday morning.

The reserve works brilliantly as part of a wider park-based holiday around Swansea. Riverside Holiday Park sits just three miles away, and SWDA Riverside's five-star rating suggests they've got their act together for a proper base. You could easily string together visits to multiple green spaces without moving your caravan - Skewen fills an afternoon nicely without the tourist overhead of Swansea's waterfront attractions.

Go early or midweek if you want it to yourself. Weekends bring the crowds, though nothing like Peak District levels. An hour will do if you're just after a walk; two or three if you're actually paying attention to what's about.