Tudor Grange Park

The River Avon winds through this 60-acre nature reserve just outside Kenilworth, and it's the kind of place you'll stumble upon by accident then return to deliberately. Tudor Grange Park sits on the site of a former Tudor mansion, though these days you're more likely to spot kingfishers than history books.

The reserve proper is a mix of woodland, grassland, and riverside habitat - the sort of terrain that rewards a slow wander with binoculars rather than a rushed march through. You'll find yourself on well-maintained paths that don't demand Sherpa-grade fitness, though there are muddy patches when wet, so come prepared. Birdwatchers should get genuinely excited here; dragonflies in summer are prolific too.

It's family-friendly but won't keep under-tens entertained for hours - this isn't a playground setup. What it is, though, is a proper green space for adults who want to stretch their legs without navigating crowds. The nearest town of Kenilworth means you're within striking distance of some decent facilities, and if you're camping at Gate Farm Caravan Club CL or Somers Wood just down the road, it makes a cracking half-day outing before heading back for tea.

Free to access, which helps. Allow two hours if you're treating it seriously, less if you're just grabbing a quick riverside walk. Spring and early summer are your best bets for wildlife - wet autumn and winter can be a bit grim underfoot, though the woods have their own appeal then.