Telford Town Park

A sprawl of 260 acres right on Telford's doorstep, this former industrial land has been given a proper second life as a nature reserve. Walking in from the edge of town, you'd never know the area's ironworks past - now there's wetland, grassland, and woodland doing their thing, with a decent network of paths threading through the lot.

It's genuinely good for families who want to let kids burn off energy without the intensity of a proper hiking trail. Birdwatchers come here regularly, and in spring and autumn the migrant populations make it worth bringing binoculars. The wetland areas attract dragonflies and amphibians, which keeps children occupied longer than you'd expect. In summer, wildflowers take over patches of the grassland.

Allow two to three hours if you're doing a proper walk, though you can dip in for 45 minutes and still feel like you've had a break from town. It's free to access, which is decent value.

Stay at Irongorge Camping just 2.8 miles away - that five-star rating isn't exaggerated - and you've got Coalbrookdale's heritage sites nearby as backup plans. Worfe Camping, 4.8 miles off, gives you more space if you prefer. The park works well as a morning wander before heading into Coalbrookdale to see the museums and riverside. It's not dramatic, but it's honest ground that actually rewards a visit.