When the Queensway Tunnel was dug beneath the river, the subsequent rubbish pulled from the ground…read morewas dumped and landscaped into what is now Otterspool Prom. Here you can do everything there is to possibly do on a riverside promenade; things such as walk, ride a bike, look at the water and...um...well that's about it. I suppose you could rollerblade if you wanted. If it's a warm day and you don't mind the style your hair will be sculpted into by the blustering gales, you can follow the prom and its interconnecting paths right up to the Pier Head. If you don't fancy that, try and unearth the ruins of the 1984 Garden Festival, which lies hidden by tree trunks and weeds. You don't know how overtly creepy something is until you accidentally stumble across a kid's overgrown swing park. I still have nightmares.

What a spectacular view. Did you ever see such a coastline? Especially when the waves are choppy…read moreand the wind blustery. I absolutely love the promenade; walking along beside the river with the breathtaking view of the Welsh hills in the background is really relaxing, there's lots of cyclists and dog-walkers around and it's a lovely environment on a clear sunny day. The park which was renovated through the 'Pride in our Proms' project is Amazing. It's a mini world of Big Kid heaven... for me anyway I regressed about 10 years and was on the swings, seesaw and monkey bars, and when we'd totally worn ourselves out running around and taking cool scenic pictures of the sunset we went for a well earned pint from the Otterspool pub which is handily a hop skip and a cartwheel across the park. Go fly a kite, see the sights, play on the park and grab a pint!

Nice park in the center of Swadlincote. Spacious, the grass is well manicured, kids play areas,…read morestream running though the park, two football (soccer) fields and a fair amount of tables for picnics and the like. I enjoyed walking here with Ricky Martin - disappointed that the off-leash dog play area (which apparently was here until 3-4 years ago according to a local) is no longer there :( This a nice place for a stroll and a breath of fresh air! Review #54 2018

I'm doing it again; I must get to the water. I am a Gremlin. I need to multiply and water is my…read moresavour. In that case I could do a lot worse than Hemsworth Water Park and Play World. Now this badger has two lakes; the largest lake is available for pedalo rides and has sandy beaches; the smallest lake is in a more secluded area to attract wildlife. It's perfect if you want to do a Freddie Flintoff and fool around for a while. It's also ideal to see some great things of interest in this beautiful world we have around us. I'm going all John Lennon on you now. You've also got loads of grassed areas and picnics are no problem either (except the fact it's always freezing and wet in England). Then throw in the Play World bit. This is where I need to fall back and remind myself that I'm not a child any more. For "real" kids though it's got with a tower slide, climbing frames, a toddler's sandpit area and a miniature railway. Toot toot. Once again I've found you a corking day out with a difference but do check what is open if you go before the Easter holidays. You have been warned.

I find myself in something of a quandary. I value the provision of these islands of nature greatly…read moreand will always defend them from the encroaching urban sprawl but I find that I cannot get very excited about Hemsworth Water Park, Nice enough lakes and the ducks were very duck-like, the grass was probably just as green as any other park and the children's play area as clean and well maintained as the best of them but the other play area which is rather grandly called Playworld was locked up thereby saving us a few quid for an experience we could get for free in any half decent public park. I left with the feeling that I had wasted fuel driving to Hemsworth as there are better parks much nearer to where I live.

Considering I eat and drink out as much as possible, there has to be some sort of action plan when…read moreit comes to shifting the pounds. That's why I'm exceptionally lucky to live next door to Alexandra park, a leafy oasis in the red brick jungle of Edgeley. Not only are there 3 reservoirs with a multitude of fishermen hogging the banks, there's also tennis, basketball and football courts all free and fully unlocked to the public 24/7. There's also the Edgeley crown green bowls pitches to the north of the park which are super popular with an older clientele, plus there's all ages going for it in the tai chi each morning. It's a great place to go for an early morning run, walk your dog (wow - everyone seems to know each other!) and I personally go to shoot a few hoops most morning to get my basketball on (wind permitting...) Perfect for folks with kids - there's a huge playground onsite!

Dovedale is a disaster waiting to happen. People climbing the mountains with large rocks nearly…read moremissing people head. Witnessed a small rock hitting a poor young child. Seen delinquents rolling rocks from the top of the mountain. If those rocks hit anyone it's game over for that person. Multiple barbecues being held on site with people smoking shishas. No security on site. No signs of any rangers in site. Litter everywhere. A disaster waiting to happen from what I saw today

Go up river since it can get quite busy if you go only to the southern end car park and walk from…read morethere - we went further north and it quickly quietened down. Also explore the hills and valleys nearby - wonderful

The Churnet Valley , its woods , cliffs and railway walk centered on the village of Alton is a…read moregreat place for a non strenuous day in the fresh air . Numerous pubs and tea rooms for those that need refreshment . The peace here is sometimes disturbed by the screams if folks on the rollercoasters at Alton Towers . And don't forget to lake a short diversion to see the chained oak where the witchs head was chopped off :)

Dimmingsdale is situated between Oakamoor and Alton Towers in a delightful valley along the River…read moreChurnet. This is a gorgeous place to go for a walk in the spring and summer, and truly stunning during the autumn months. The walk is about 4 miles long, but can be shortened by crossing the river, and walking back on the other side, for a different view. Dimmingsdale is highly recommended for anyone wanting to impress a girl with their romantic side, families with kids, people with dogs and obviously anyone who likes woodland walks. To round the walk of and turn it into an experience, have a pot of tea and some mouthwatering cake at the Ramblers Retreat.

Shipley Country Park is located between Ilkeston and Heanor in Derbyshire, 10 miles to the North…read moreEast of Derby and 11 miles to the West of Nottinghamshire. The Park covers an area of over 600 acres of open Grassland, landscaped Gardens, Lakes and Reservoirs and other recreational areas. Its a great place to get out in the freah air to simply walk the dogs, cycle, run and take in the great British flora and fauna. Also good for fishing- permits required.

If you enjoy walking or cycling in nice scenery you will enjoy this park in Derbyshire.It is…read morepopular with family's having big open spaces to play in and then visit the visitor centre and cafe.The lake is alway's interesting with plenty of wildlife.

I've never really been *to* this park, but I have walked through it on numerous occasions, as it…read moremakes for a more scenic walk from Didsbury to Tesco/the cinema/Nando's than the main road does. For a Manchester park it seems to have very few scallies hanging about in it, making it a very pleasant place for a quick stroll or even a picnic (maybe). There is a football pitch, which apparently has an air raid shelter underneath it, a kids play area and a bowling green. Alongside Fletcher Moss Botanical Gardens, Old Parsonage Gardens, Marie Louise Gardens and Fog Lane Park, Didsbury Park contributes to the leafy green spaces which make a welcome break from the café culture and bus fumes of Wilmslow Road.

Hall Leys is one of the biggest and best parks in the lovely spa town of Matlock some 30 miles…read moreoutside of Manchester. The quaint little town is absolutely lovely, and is well worth a visit from Manchester. If you do visit, make sure this park is on your list of places to visit. Its absolutely lovely, and has everything from nice green spaces for picnics and flower beds, a pitch and putt mini golf course, tennis courts, a skate park, a bowling green, a kids paddling pool and swimming area, a kids adventure playground, a Victorian band stand, a lake with boats, and a cafe, and an ice cream shop. Its even got a tiny little train that runs through the park, that kinds can sit on! So whether you want a quiet stroll, a picnic, a motor boat ride on the lake, a lovely cup of coffee or a whole day out with the family full of entertainment, then this is the place for you. This is categorically my favorite park. Five stars.

I'm lucky enough to live next door to this lovely park, i tell my friend it's really my back garden!read more