Whatcote Park

The village of Whatcote sits just south of Shipston-on-Stour, and its namesake park is a proper slice of Warwickshire countryside - grassland and woodland that attracts serious birdwatchers and anyone after a quiet walk away from the main tourist trails. The reserve itself isn't vast, but that's rather the point. You get genuine habitat rather than manicured paths, which means you'll actually see something if you know what to look for - skylarks, lesser spotted woodpeckers, and the occasional kestrel overhead.

It's the kind of place walkers and nature enthusiasts genuinely prefer to the bigger, busier reserves. Families with young children might find it a bit plain - there's no visitor centre, no café, no facilities to speak of. If your kids need constant entertainment, they'll get bored. But if you're camping at Shire Camping just down the road or staying at one of the other local caravan sites, it's an excellent way to spend an hour or two without leaving the village.

Access details are thin on the ground online, so ring ahead or check locally when you arrive in Shipston - the locals will know opening arrangements and whether there's a donation box or admission fee. Spring is brilliant here when migrants arrive and the woodland floor comes alive. Winter works too if you're patient and have decent binoculars. Allow roughly two hours for a proper wander, longer if you're serious about spotting birds.