Just outside the village of Chapmanslade, these woods are perfect for a breath of fresh air and a bit of peace and quiet. The trail around the woods is only 1.8km, so long enough for the kids to run around and explore, but not too much hard work. The woods are filled with all sorts of wildlife and beautiful flowers, especially in spring when the bluebells are out.

The short steep climb to the top of Cley Hill is well worth it for the staggering views out over the Somerset and Wiltshire landscapes. It’s a good place for picnics, for star gazing, UFO spotting and for looking at the flora and fauna that these chalk downlands support. There’s a small car park near the bottom of the hill.

The white horse carved into the chalk hillside at Bratton Camp is visible for miles, and no wonder – it’s 180ft tall and 170ft wide, which is pretty enormous! Up above it is a former Iron Age hillfort and Neolithic long barrow, and there are some good circular walks from here if you fancy a stroll. Otherwise it’s a lovely place to go for a picnic, a spot of kite flying, to kick a ball about or just to admire the incredible views across the Wiltshire landscape.  

Among Wiltshire's curiosities and attractions are the huge white horses carved into the chalk hills; of the 24 identified in Britain, 13 of them were in Wiltshire. 8 are still visible - at Westbury, Cherhill, Marlborough, Alton Barnes, Hackpen, Broad Town, Pewsey and Devizes. They aren't as old as you might think - the oldest is the one at Westbury, believed to date back to 1778, the newest is the one at Devizes, which was carved to mark the Millennium in 1999. Have a pootle round, see if you can find them all. Tie it in with a nice pub lunch. 

100 acres, with several tracks linking the fields, and less formal paths through mown grass; there’s also a circular gravel trail suitable for wheelchairs. Have a jolly good walk around, take your ease, keep quiet and you might see deer at feed, woodpeckers busy among the trees, and buzzards soaring overhead. There’s a picnic area and within the park is Hope Nature Centre, a lovely place for families to visit.

The Kennet & Avon links London with the Bristol Channel, and the wharf at Bradford-on-Avon was once the busiest on the waterway. Now it’s a lovely place to hang out; stroll or cycle along the towpath to the medieval Tithe Barn or to the pub at Avoncliff, have the famous Boatman’s Breakfast at The Lock Inn, or take a trip on a narrowboat.

36 glorious acres bounded by the River Avon and the Kennet & Avon canal. Within the park is the 14th century Tithe Barn, and several other listed structures as well as craft and tea shops. Follow the towpath or go along the river and through the meadows to Avoncliff, go rowing, fishing, or just enjoy a picnic by the waterside. Look out for wildlife, you never know what you might see. 

Stretch your legs or take the dog for his daily exercise at Greenland Mills Wood which can be reached from the town centre. It’s basically a narrow strip of mixed woodland with a wide avenue running along the top of the steep hillside, and views over the River Avon.

A lovely spot on the banks of the Kennet & Avon Canal where you can go and laze away an afternoon with a picnic and a game of French cricket or rounders. Have a look at the barn, one of the best preserved medieval examples in England. It used to be part of a big monastic manor and still has the original cruck beam roof; impressive.

This walk of almost 10 miles follows the Kennet & Avon Canal along the towpath and over the River Avon on two aqueducts. The views and the scenery are wonderful, the going is easy and mostly flat, and there are several pubs and tea rooms along the way where you can stop for a break.

This a lovely spot on the Kennet & Avon Canal, where swans glide quietly on the water, ducks dabble, and now and then, a kingfisher darts across the water. People come here to walk or cycle along the towpath, to fish, or to watch the occasional boat come through the five locks. Sit outside the Barge Inn and watch the sunset; the simple things in life are the best.

A peaceful 6 mile walk through ancient woods and flower-filled meadows taking in breath taking views of the city. There are a few things you can do enroute – stop at the Woodland Play Area, take a detour to Prior Park, The American Museum or Widcombe Village.

Caen Hill is the steepest part of the Kennet & Avon Canal, with 29 locks and a rise of 237 feet over 2 miles. That's some remarkable feat of engineering, which is why this continuous flight of locks is a Scheduled Ancient Monument. It's a nice place to hang out, to just sit and watch the comings and goings or to walk or cycle along the towpath to Devizes Wharf or Wadworth Brewery. A Welcome Boat has local information and activity sheets; have a go at pond dipping or look out for wildlife. 

57 acres of parkland, originally an arboretum and still having exquisite botanic gardens. Stroll along the Great Dell Aerial Walkway, play tennis or mini golf, let the kids loose in the adventure playground and take them to feed the ducks. Have a picnic or a bite to eat in the Pavilion Cafe. Amazing views of the city and in November there's an open air ice rink for pre-festive fun.

T: 01225 394041

The Cotswolds is one of the most quintessential parts of England, with glorious counryside, award-winning attractions, and picturesque villages of honey coloured stone cottages and quaint tea rooms. Spend a day exploring - there are so many places to visit; Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bourton-on-the-Water, The Slaughters, and Laurie Lee's beautiful Slad Valley, immortalised in 'Cider With Rosie'.