Winston Churchill Memorial Gardens

A sprawling nature reserve just outside Cheltenham, the Winston Churchill Memorial Gardens sit on what feels like proper countryside the moment you step through the gates. The place honours the wartime PM through a series of themed gardens and walking trails that wind through woodland and open spaces - though honestly, you'd visit this spot regardless of the name on the sign.

What you're really getting is a chance to potter about in 70-odd acres of well-maintained grounds. There are formal gardens if you want them, but the appeal lies in the woodland walks and the chance to spot local wildlife without fighting crowds. The whole thing takes a good two to three hours if you're in no rush, which you won't be once you get there.

It's the sort of place where families with younger kids can run about freely, and walkers will appreciate the decent network of paths. The gardens don't demand expertise to enjoy them - you don't need to know a rose from a rhododendron to have a decent afternoon here.

Combine this with a base at nearby Coxhorne Glamping (barely three miles away) and you've got yourself a solid day in the Cotswolds. The reserve offers a quieter alternative to some of the region's more trafficked spots, which counts for something come the school holidays. Go on a weekday morning if possible - the place fills up Saturday afternoons with family groups.