Stockgrove Country Park

The pine woods at Stockgrove feel properly secluded considering you're barely ten minutes from Milton Keynes. Wide, well-tended paths wind through mature trees - ideal if you want a walk that doesn't require scrambling over roots or dodging mud. There's a small lake where you might spot waterfowl, and the whole place has that calm, meditative quality that makes you forget the town's even there.

This is walker territory, really. Families with young kids will enjoy it for an hour or so, but there's not much to grip their attention beyond that - no playground, no visitor centre, just trees and paths. If you're into birdwatching or photography, though, you'll find decent opportunities. The park's also popular with locals doing their regular circuits, which means it's usually in good shape.

It works well as a morning or afternoon break if you're based at one of the nearby caravan sites. The Old Dairy Farm is the closest at just over two miles, which puts you nicely positioned to explore both the park and Milton Keynes itself without feeling rushed. Wingbury Farm and Hill Farm And Orchard are a bit further out, but still reasonable drives if you fancy a proper walk away from the campsite.

Go on a weekday morning if you can - it's quieter, and the light through the pines is lovely. Allow a couple of hours if you want to see all the main paths without hurrying. Free entry, as far as I'm aware, and no fees for parking either.