St John's Park

Just outside Tunbridge Wells, St John's Park is a proper nature reserve that rewards a morning visit far more than you'd expect from the name alone. The site spreads across woodland and open grassland, with paths that wind through different habitats - you'll spot birds, wildflowers depending on the season, and the occasional deer if you're lucky enough. It's the kind of place where you can actually breathe properly, away from the town centre bustle.

Walkers get the most from this one. The terrain isn't demanding, so families with younger kids manage fine, though older children might find it a bit tame if they're after adventure playgrounds rather than nature spotting. Grab a pair of decent binoculars and you could easily spend two hours here without boredom creeping in. Bird watchers especially should make the effort.

Timing-wise, early morning is genuinely better - you'll see and hear more wildlife when the place is quiet. Spring and early summer are peak season, though winter has its own appeal if you don't mind the cold.

If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots - Honnington Farm is barely a mile and a half away, while Apple Acres sits just down the road at 2.3 miles - St John's Park makes an easy add-on to your day. It complements the relaxation side of a park holiday nicely without requiring serious planning or expense. Worth an afternoon, definitely.