Stone Cross Garden

Free admission makes this Lancashire garden worth a quick look if you're staying nearby Preston, though don't expect Chatsworth-level grandeur. Stone Cross Garden is a modest community space that's clearly been lovingly tended by locals - the sort of place where retired folk potter about with secateurs and chat over the fence.

Families will find it pleasant enough for a short stroll, particularly those with younger children who can burn off energy without parents worrying about traffic. The paths are well-maintained and pushchair-friendly, which counts for something when you're juggling toddlers and picnic bags. That said, teenagers will likely roll their eyes after ten minutes unless they're particularly keen on horticulture.

Given its location near Preston, Stone Cross Garden works well as a gentle warm-up before tackling more ambitious attractions, or as a peaceful pit-stop if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Rawcliffe Hall or Wilson House. The garden's compact size means you'll see everything in under an hour - perfect timing for a morning constitutional before the kids start agitating for lunch.

Honestly, it's the sort of place that's better appreciated by those who enjoy quiet contemplation rather than thrill-seekers. But sometimes a bit of green space and fresh air is exactly what a family holiday needs, especially when it won't cost you a penny.