An idyllic destination a short drive from London, Painshill Park is a great place to spend a day…read moreenjoying the beauty of the English countryside. Created by the eccentric Charles Hamilton, the park was created as a "romantic landscape". Both organized and naturalistic, the park offers many vistas, perspectives and experiences. Created with a variety of follies dotting the landscape, the park offers panoramic views and interesting scenes. Views from the Gothic Temple and the Turkish Tent are breathtaking. While exploring the man-made grotto (which is currently undergoing renovation) you can't help but be in awe of Hamilton's vision while at the same time thinking "This guy must have been totally out there to build stalactites with lathe and plaster and then cover them in pieces of crystal!". Whether walking the grounds, bringing a blanket and a book and enjoying the solitude, Painshill Park is a wonderful place to visit. Be prepared to walk, as the park is large and very hilly. It's a good climb to the top of the Tower as well. Would definitely recommend this if you need a relaxing afternoon away from the hustle and bustle of London.

A grade 1 listed park, much renovated over the last 25 years, by the trust that owns it…read more Created by Charles Hamilton ,in the mid 18th century, after his 2 (obligatory) Grand Tours, he wanted to create an idyllic natural setting, around a lake, with water diverted from the river Mole. He was very succesful in this, and created a number of follies, a Grotto, and the unusual Turkish Tent. Many of the plants are of American origin, and were just becoming fashionable at the time. It's worth remembering it's a park like setting rather than a garden like Wisley. Reasonable cafe near the entrance, and the ever present gift shop. Worth chcking their website for offers, currently free entry on Wednesdays in November, children free at weekends, and A special Santa event. The Grotto is only open at the weekends. A great place for a walk on a sunny day, great views across the lake and Surrey.

Gayle and I arrived at the very cool Broadway Tower as we hiked up from town and then on our way to…read moreChipping Campden. It was built in 1798 on the second highest point in the Cotswolds and a very cool scenic place to take it all in. It's also a folly - a building that looks like it has a useful purpose (in this case, a strategic lookout), but is really just for decoration or personal enjoyment. In this case, it was commissioned by the 6th Earl of Coventry as a token of affection for his wife Lady Barbara.

This place was great- we were just going to drive by and then were enticed inside where we found a…read moredelightful gift shop and cafe. We purchased cute greeting cards and two lattes- delicious. They can make one mean mocha! Cute holidays ornaments, builder sets & more. Outside there are nice tables and cute kids play toys like a teepee to go into etc 2nd cafe & shop had lovely clothes and bags... We ended up doing the loop hike and saw so many cute sheep and a herd of deer with a magnificent buck; many places to rest and take up a view of the valley on a comfy bench...the tower tour came w listening device with history..: view from roof was amazing. There's a small shop at the bottom of the tower stocked w similar to first shop. My 75 year old mom was a little tired going up some of the hills but crushed it; I was just as tired ha ha

This was a highlight of the time we spent in the Cotswolds. Words can't describe how absolutely…read morebeautiful the Hidcote Garden is. What is most impressive is the variety of different areas in the garden that are all impeccably done. This is both a lovely place for a quiet stroll or outdoor lunch. The cafe has surprisingly good English food.

Really lovely National Trust garden with numerous places to explore. The property is broken up into…read moredifferent "rooms" to explore. Nice way to spend two hours and a pretty drive from those staying in Chipping Campden. Nice gift shop, too!

One of Birmingham's lesser known parks, and all the better for it, if you ask me! We really are…read moreblessed / spoiled over in the south of the city when it comes to parks - there seems to be one every few hundred yards - from large, countryside-equse open spaces like Warley Woods and the Lickeys, to ornate urban parks like Cannon Hill Park. This place is a little of both - the large open space that dominates it provides a lovely respite from the bustle of Harborne, and the gardens that border it are well kept and a legacy of the park's Victorian roots. A great little park - much recommended!

Queens Park is one of Birmingham's best parks in my opinion, its very secluded and not very known…read moreabout and all the better for it! We don't have many great outdoor spaces in Harborne so its a great place for young children, teenagers and adults too. Its has a great open large space, people come here to play football, tennis (has 2 tennis courts), basketball (has a basketball court). Has a playground area for young children. Very popular with dog walkers, joggers and cyclists. Ive been here day and night and never had any trouble, the gardens are well kept and very pretty in every season. There is 2 car parks available on site which is free, space available for disabled vehicles too. A great little park!

I've been visiting California Country Park since I was a small child, and I still find it as…read morebreathtaking as I ever did. The forest is enchanting, with ferns and moss clearings, the nature trails are incredible, winding through the hidden bogs and woodland, and the lake is beautiful, teeming with fish and birds. Bring the children to feed the swans, meet the baby ducklings and play in the log themed playground, complete with zip line and a paddling pool in the summer. Have a cup of coffee, slice of cake or ice cream at Jackson's Cafe, and wander the park, breathing in the fresh air of true nature. It is one of my favourite places in the world, I hope you enjoy it just as much.

Who needs beautiful weather to have a good walk? My parents, better half and I wanted to walk off…read moresome of the huge amounts of Christmas food...so drove over to Irchester country park in the pouring rain. We hoped it would stop raining for a bit...and it did although we did still get soaked during most of our walk! Despite the rain, the waterlogged paths and the grey skies, we still had a pleasant walk. This park used to be an ironstone quarry, so there are pretty trails through the mixed woodland...with large peaks and troughs where people have dug up iron over the centuries. I really want to come back with my nephew and niece...they would love it! Other awesome-ness * We found some fake dinosaurs along one of the trail (!) * There is a railway museum (only open once a week on a Sunday, but apparently it's brilliant for train-loving kids) * There is a fun looking playground for kids, as well as rope bridges, zip lines and cargo nets for big kids * It costs £2.50 to park, but there is no entrance fee. If it is a rainy day, take some wellington boots and a rain coat...you'll love it.

Nice place to go for walks. Lots of grass for running about,playing and picnics. A burger van is…read moreoften there. Can't remember fully but I think toilets are avalible. Big car park. Not enough for a whole day out but would make a nice afternoon out for all and a nice summer evening out for all.

This is excellent for children, and adults. Lots of green spaces, children's playing area with…read moreswings and roundabouts. There is a water sprinkler as well. The park is great for a picnic. The park runs alongside a canal. The river has swans and ducks, and is very peaceful. I visit the park at least 2 to 3 times a month with my children. It is also very safe.

This is exactly what it says on the packet - a maze. It is a maze made of bushes, some are very…read morenarrow and we just managed to get the pushchair through. It took us about 40 minutes to find the centre. Do not got if you are claustrophobic, have a double buggy or need the toilet. Amazing.

There is not alot here. It is basically just a maze made out of bushes…read more There are facilities for a picnic, but it is not an all day activity. I would say maximum of 2 hours if you are having a picnic. There are not many directions on the road, and on hitchin road, you are almost upon it before you realise you are there.

One of Warwickshire's country parks, this place is quite unique. It seems to consist mostly of…read morehills, which are very steep but very small. It also seems to attract a lot of wind. This does make it ideal for kite flying, or mountain biking, or taking the dog for a run-around. In fact, it seems to be popular with people doing a lot of outdoor kinds of pursuits, even if it's just a nice picnic. There aren't really any set paths, and with all the hills it would be exhausting (but not impossible) to take a pushchair round, but if you are game there's nothing to stop you! While you are there, stop by the little village and have a look at the ancient church. No amenities, unless the ice cream man is about