Wag and Splash

The name alone tells you what to expect at Wag and Splash - a dog-friendly spot just outside Stratford-upon-Avon where your four-legged friend can actually have a proper time of it. This is the sort of place that makes sense if you're touring the area with a dog in tow and don't want to feel guilty leaving them in the caravan while you queue for the RSC or trudge around Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

It's a working space designed around dogs having a go at water and doing what dogs do - splashing about, running, playing. You'll find water features, open ground, and enough room for your dog to burn off energy without knocking over someone's picnic. The setup is straightforward and honest rather than Instagram-ready.

Timing-wise, allow an hour, maybe two if your dog's the type who won't leave and you fancy a sit-down with a coffee. Go early or late to avoid the crowds and the heat if it's a summer visit. It's free entry as far as we can tell, though details are thin on the ground.

For campers based at Green Gates or The Apple Farm - both practically on the doorstep - this is worth knowing about. If you're staying further out at Rayford or one of the other parks around Stratford, it's not exactly a detour, but it's not your main event either. Pair it with a walk along the Avon or a proper day in town. Your dog will thank you, even if you end up slightly damp in the car on the drive back.