Sladesbrook Park

The River Avon cuts through Sladesbrook Park with proper purpose, and you'll understand why locals keep coming back the moment you step onto the paths. It's a genuine nature reserve rather than a manicured park - think native woodland, open grassland, and genuinely decent birdwatching rather than themed attractions. The whole place feels lived-in by wildlife, which is precisely the point.

Walkers will get the most from Sladesbrook. The terrain is manageable but keeps things interesting with plenty of riverside sections and tree cover that shifts seasonally. Spring and early summer are when you'll spot the birds properly - bring binoculars if you're serious about it. Three or four hours is a solid half-day visit, though you could stretch it if you're the type to sit and watch the water for ages. Families with younger kids might find it a bit limited in pure entertainment value, but if yours are the exploring-with-a-net sort rather than needing a play park, they'll be fine.

It sits just outside Bradford-on-Avon, making it easy to combine with a stay at any of the nearby caravan sites - Marsh Farm or Yellowtail Camping are both highly rated and close enough for a morning visit without faffing about with driving. The reserve works as a natural counterpoint to a wider park holiday in the area, offering something quieter and more genuinely wild. Admission is free, which means you can turn up without the usual holiday attraction guilt.

Don't expect facilities or fancy things. Bring your own everything.