England Countryside

Abberton Reservoir Nature Reserve and Visitor Centre
Essex
Eastern Counties
Church Rd, Layer de la Haye
Tel. 01206 738172
Open: year round, daily except Mon, 9am-5pm; closed Christmas and Boxing Day
Nature reserve located by reservoir; designated Site of Special Scientific Interest; bird watching with five hides; shop; parking

Acton Scott Historic Working Farm
Shropshire
West Midlands
Wenlock Lodge, Acton Scott
Church Stretton
Signed from A49 near Church Stretton
Tel. 0 1694 781 307
Open: mid April-first week Nov; 10am-5pm Wed-Sun, from 1-5pm on Tue; closed Mon
Demonstrates life on a Shropshire upland farm at the turn of the 20th century; shire horses, farmyard and field animals; milking and butter churning; demonstrations; weekly displays by blacksmith and other craftsmen; yearly special events such as sheep-shearing, lambing, cider making and steam powered threshing; café; parking

Aira Force Waterfall
Cumbria
North-west Counties
A592/A5091, off western shore of Ullswater
7 miles south of Penrith
Car Parks: Aira Force and Glencoyne Bay
National Trust property; information boards; tearoom nearby at Watermillock; walks up the hill beside the river lead to small waterfall; set in 12,782 acres of fell, woodland and farmland

Anderton Boat Lift
Cheshire
North-west Counties
Lift Lane
Anderton
Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6FW
Tel. 0 1606 786 777; for fast track ticket phone 0 1606 872 868
Open: 10am-5pm, some days 11am-4pm, closed various days (mostly Dec and Jan), days open vary greatly so best to check the website
Known as the ‘Cathedral of the Canals’ the boat lift was built in 1875; boat trips to Northwich town swing bridge and return (30-40 minutes); river trips; interactive exhibition, café, shop, picnic areas
Web: Anderton Boat Lift

Anglian Water Birdwatching Centre
Rutland
East Midlands
Egleton Nature Reserve; Egleton
Tel : 01572 770651
Open: daily except Christmas and Boxing Day
Internationally famous nature reserve; environmental display; viewing gallery; 22 bird hides and nature trails with experts to help with identification; home of Anglian Water Osprey project; famous for its tree sparrows
Website: Rutland County Council

Ashridge Estate
Hertfordshire
Eastern Counties
Ringshall, Berkhamsted
Between Northchurch and Ringshall, just off B4506; between the A5 south of Dunstable and the A41
Tel. 01442 851227
Open: daily, all year; visitor centre open from end March-end Oct, 1-5pm, weekdays; also open weekends during summer
Estate owned by National Trust; woodland, common, and downland walks; Ivinghoe Beacon gives views over countryside; shop, tearoom; car park at Steps Hill

Askham Bog Nature Reserve
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Two miles south-west of York city centre
From eastbound A64, take A1036, follow the road to traffic lights; turn left into the car park just before the next set of lights.
Ancient relict fen and bog flora and fauna; dam with beavers; woodlands with roe deer; wetland plants include great fen sedge, bog myrtle, water violet and gingerbread sedge; in winter large flocks of redpoll and siskin; summer breeding woodcock and lesser spotted woodpeckers

Attenborough Nature Reserve and Centre
Nottinghamshire
East Midlands
Barton Lane, Attenborough, Nottinghamshire, NG9 6DY
off the A6005 between Beeston and Long Eaton
Tel. 0115 9721777
Open: Centre on Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm; Sat-Sun from 9am-6pm; reserve open daily 7am-dusk; café until 4.30 weekdays and 5.30 weekends
Site of Special Scientific Interest; reserve consists of 145 hectares of flooded gravel pits and islands; habitat for wide range of plants, birds and other wildlife; important site for winter wildfowl: shoveler and diving ducks, mallard, teal, and wigeon; education, visitor, and conference facilities; café, shop, displays
Web: Attenborough Nature Centre

Ayres Visitor Centre
Isle of Man
Ayres Nature Reserve; signposted on Ballaghennie Rd west of Bride
Tel. 01624 801 985
Open: May-Sep, daily except Mon
Displays of local flora and fauna, books, gifts; nature trail through coastal sand dunes; carpark; operated by Manx Wildlife Trust

Basildon Park
Berkshire
South-east Counties
Lower Basildon, Reading
Tel. 0118 984 3040
Open: house, mid March-end Oct, Wed-Sun, noon-5pm; a few days in Dec (check NT website), Wed-Sun, noon-4pm; grounds and restaurant, Wed-Sun, 11am-5pm; shop same days, times vary
National Trust property; 18th century Palladian mansion with plasterwork and staircase, furniture and paintings; 19th century pleasure grounds, parkland with woodland walks; picnic area; restaurant; parking

Bempton Cliffs RSPB Reserve
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Near Bridlington on Yorkshire’s east coast
On cliff road from Bempton (B1229); in the village turn north at White Horse pub for one mile (brown tourist signs)
Open: reserve open at all times; Visitor Centre open daily, March-Oct, 10am-5pm; Nov-Feb, 9.30am-4 pm; closed Christmas week.
England’s largest seabird colony with 200,000 seabirds that include puffins, gannets, guillemots, and kittiwakes; cliff top trail with five viewpoints looking over the sea and chalk cliffs; guided walks available; spring and summer best visiting times; parking, picnic area

Blacktoft Sands RSPB Reserve
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Located by the Humber Estuary
Off minor road through Reedness, Whitgift and Ousefleet towards Adlingfleet; marked with brown tourist signs.
Tel. 01484 861 148
Open: daily, 9am-9m or dusk if earlier
RSPB reserve with six hides overlooking lagoon; over 270 species of birds; tidal reedbed is breeding ground for bearded tits, marsh harriers, avocets, and bitterns; wintering ducks; tree sparrows, whitethroats; hundreds of species of rare and specialist insects; six guided walks through the reserve; parking; picnic area

Bradgate Country Park and Visitor Centre
Leicestershire
East Midlands
Bradgate Park, Newtown Linford
Tel. 0 116 236 2713
Open: park daily until dusk; Visitor Centre open in summer Tue-Sun, noon-5pm; in winter weekends only, 1-4pm
Leicestershire’s largest country park (former hunting park) with grass, bracken, tracks, trees, 146 acres of ancient woodland, herds of red and fallow deer; river Lin valley; folly “Old John Tower”. Extensive ruins of red brick Tudor Bradgate House, birthplace of Lady Jane Grey; displays on the park at the visitor centre (book and gift shop, café). Pay car park; shop at Newton Linford car park; picnic area; refreshments; guided walks and tours throughout season.

Brimham Rocks
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Off B6265 near Summerbridge
Tel. 01423 780688
Open: site all year, daily, 8am-dusk; exhibition, 11am-5pm June-end Sep, weekends in Oct; Sun in Nov and Dec
National Trust property; ice age and time have eroded gritstone to create hundreds of boulders in interesting shapes; views over Nidderdale

Broadway Tower and Country Park
Worcestershire
West Midlands
1.5 miles east of Broadway
Tel. 01386 852390
Open: April-Oct, daily, 10.30am-5pm; Nov-March, Sat and Sun, 11am-3pm
1790s tower building with exhibition; 35 acres of parkland, picnic area and adventure playground for children

Brockhampton Estate and Lower Brockhampton
Herefordshire
West Midlands
Greenfields, Bringsty
Two miles east of Bromyard, off the A44
Tel. 01885 488 099 (info line); 01885 482077
Open: estate open daily year round during daylight hours; house open March-mid March weekends, noon-4pm; mid March-end March, Wed-Sun, noon-4pm; April-end Sep, Wed-Sun, noon-5pm; Oct, noon-4pm, Wed-Sun; BH Mon, noon-5pm
National Trust property; 1000 acres of farmland and 700 acres of woodland with walks, ruined chapel, wildlife, woodland sculptures; black and white gatehouse; 14th century moated manor house with medieval great hall, minstrel’s gallery; picnic area; tea-room

Brocks Hill Country Park and Visitor Centre
Leicestershire
East Midlands
Washbrook Lane, Oadby
Tel. 0116 257 2888
Open: year round, Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm, on Sat and Sun until 4pm; open BH
67 acres of woodland, ponds, and wildflower meadows; café; environmentally friendly building design.

Brownsea Island
Dorset
South-west Counties
Tel. 01202 707744
Open: 3rd week March-third week July and Sep, 10am-5pm, daily; until 6pm from 3rd week July-end Aug; Oct, 10am–4pm
Island in Poole Harbour; National Trust property; woodland and heath; pinewoods, shoreline, lagoon; red squirrels, deer, and wading birds. Dorset Wildlife Trust manages nature reserve (entrance fee) on the island; bird hides, nature trail; visitor centre; shop; cafe. Scout and Guide heritage trail and centre; ferry and landing charges.

Calf of Man
Isle of Man
The Sound
Tel. 01624 832 339
Open: April-Sep, cruises from 10am, weather permitting other times.
Daily boat trips to this island, no facilities on the island.

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Dorset
South-west Counties
Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth
Dorset DT6 6LL (three miles from Lyme Regis)
Tel. 01297 560772
Open: 10.30am-4pm; in winter open Wed-Sun only; call to confirm as school groups sometimes take over
Interactive computer and hands-on displays, fossil information and identification, film on fossils; events during the year include fossil hunting weekends, tidal pool explorations, and other marine activities
Web: Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

Chew Valley Nature Reserve
Somerset
South-west Counties
New nature reserve
Chew Lake, B3114 south from Chew Stoke; left for West Harptree; head north-east on A368
Open: not given on Avon Wildlife Trust website
Reed beds, wintering wildfowl; reed warblers, sedge warblers, shoveler, gadwall, teal and tufted duck; great crested grebe, cormorant, winter gull and many more; dragonflies in summer; visitor centre; café; car parking at Herriot’s Bridge

Chislehurst Caves
Kent
South-east Counties
Old Hill, Chislehurst
Near Chislehurst station and Bickley Arms pub
Tel. 020 8467 3264
Open: daily except 25 Dec and 1 Jan, Wed-Sun, by 45 min guided tour only, leave on the hour from 10am-4pm
Lamp lit tour includes tunnels used as WWII shelters; attractions include Caves Church, Druid Altar, Haunted Pool and much more; shop; restaurant; parking; private tours available
Web: Chislehurst Caves

Chorlton Water Park
Greater Manchester
North-west Counties
Maitland Ave, Chorlton, Manchester
Tel. 0161 881 5639
Lake with canoeing, windsurfing, fishing; picnic and woodland areas

Churchtown Farm Community Nature Reserve
Cornwall
South-west Counties
On border of Saltash
Open: countryside, open site
Cornwall Wildlife Trust Reserve member; in Tamar Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; guided walks; wildlife habitats; views up the Lynher Estuary

Close Sartfield Nature Reserve
Isle of Man
Reached from A3 turn onto B9 between Ballaugh village and Sulby Glen, take 3rd tun on right and follow rd for one mile, entrance and car park on track on the right.
Part of Ballaugh Curragh wetland; bird hide, reached by paths and boardwalks near entrance; landscape of meadows and willow carr; breeding species of birds
Read more in our article Manx Wildlife Trust Nature Reserves

Clumber Park
Nottinghamshire
East Midlands
Clumber Park, near Worksop
Tel. 01909 476592 or 01909 544917 (info line)
Open: park, all year, daily, dawn to dusk; kitchen garden, shop, restaurant, various times and days depending on month of year, check National Trust website for full details; closed 25 Dec and concert day in August
National Trust property; 3800 acres of parkland, woods; picnic areas; cycle rental; walled kitchen garden, greenhouses growing old varieties of vegetables; Gothic revival church; lake; largest lime tree avenue in Europe; grassland; interpretation centre; special events; restaurant; shop; parking

Conkers
Derbyshire
East Midlands
On B586 Rawdon Road in Moira near Ashby de la Zouch
Tel. 01283 216 633
Open: year round, 10am-6pm in summer; until 4.30pm in winter; Feb half-term open till 5pm; last admission one hour before closing.
Adventure playground; indoor play centre; Discovery Centre with treetop walk and pond activities, touchable exhibits; walks, sculpture and nature trails; train rides; water play; restaurants, shops, plant centre; workshops, craft and music events; ranger led activities
Web: Conkers

Cooildarry Nature Reserve
Isle of Man
Two entrances: one opposite road to Glen Wyllin campsite on Peel to Kirk Michael road, second on TT course, one mile south-east of Kirk Michael.
Wooded valley, part of Glen Wyllin with waterfalls, birds, and wildflowers.

Corfe Common
Dorset
South-west Counties
Corfe
Tel. 01929 480609 (National Trust Education Office)
Open: year round, daily
Dorset’s largest working common with varied habitats. Leaflet Exploring Corfe Common available from National Trust shop in the village.

Cotswold Farm Park
Gloucestershire
South-west Counties
Guiting Power, near Stow-on-the-Wold
Tel. 01451 850307
Open: mid March-first week Sep, 10.30am-5pm, daily; in Oct, on weekends
Rare breeds on display--cattle, sheep, horses, pigs, goats; shop; walks; caravan and camping site; play barn for children
Website: Cotswold Farm Park

Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens
Oxfordshire
South-east Counties
Two miles south of Burford, on the A361
Tel. 0 1993 823 006
Open: year round, daily; Oct-Feb,10am-5pm; during British Summer time, open till 6pm
Set in 160 acres of parkland and gardens around a listed Victorian Manor House; four sections include birds, primates and small mammals, large mammals and farmyard, and reptile and insect house; adopt an animal scheme; restaurant; shop; parking
Web: Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens

Creswell Crags
Nottinghamshire
East Midlands
Crags Road, Welbeck
On the B6042 between the A60 Worksop-Mansfield road and the A616
Tel. 0 1909 720 378--phone ahead to book tour of cave
Open: March-Sep, daily, 10am-5.30pm; Feb-Oct, daily, 10am-4.30pm; Nov-Jan, weekends only, 10am-4.30pm
Limestone gorge with subterranean prehistoric cave tour, museum, visitor centre, country park
Web: Creswell Crags

Cronk y Bing Nature Reserve
Isle of Man
Near the southern tip of the Ayres, on A10; take the track to the beach south of Lhen Bridge, car parking at seaward end of track. Wide dune area and shoreline; birds

Croome Park
Worcestershire
West Midlands
Severn Stoke six miles from Pershore
On the A38
Tel. 01905 371006
Open: Mar-end April and Sep-end Oct, Wed-Sun, 10am-5.30pm; May-Sep, daily from 10am-5.30pm; Nov-mid Dec until 4pm; church same as park (Churches Conservation Trust)
National Trust property; 'Capability’ Brown’s first complete landscape assignment; park buildings and structures by Robert Adam and James Wyatt; water features and gardens; miles of walks

Croxteth Hall Country Park
Merseyside/Liverpool
North-west Counties
Five miles north-east of Liverpool city centre; follow signs for the A580 to St Helens
Tel. 0151 228 5311
Open: 10am-5pm, shorter hours in winter
500 acre country park; farm and garden
Website: Croxteth Hall Country Park

Cudmore Grove Country Park
Essex
Eastern Counties
East Mersea
Tel. 01206 383868
Open: year round, daily, 8am-dusk
Long sandy beach adjoining large area of clifftop, grassland, and marshes; designated nature reserve. Information room with refreshments on Sundays in the summer; ranger guided walks.

Curraghs Wildlife Park
Isle of Man
Ballaugh
Tel. 01624 897 323
Open: mid April-end Oct, 10am-6pm, weekend during winter
100 species of animals and birds from around the world in natural wetland habitats. Walk-through aviary, children's farm, nature trails, lakeside cafe, ark, play area

Dalby Forest Centre
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Low Dalby village
Near Thornton-le-Dale
Tel. 01751 460295
Open: daily, year round, 9.30am-4pm
Forestry Commission centre; displays and exhibitions about the moors; Astronomical Centre and Observatory; shop; restaurant

Dunstable Downs Countryside Centre and Whipsnade Estate
Bedfordshire
Eastern Counties
Whipsnade Rd, Kensworth, Dunstable
Between the B4540 and the B4541
South-west of the A5 at Dunstable/Luton
Tel. 01582 608489
Open: all year; countryside centre open end March-end Oct, Tue-Sun, 10am-5pm; Sun, 10am-6pm
National Trust property; 510 acres of grass, farm land, walks, prehistoric burial mounds and earthworks

Dunwich Heath Coastal Centre and Beach
Suffolk
Eastern Counties
Dunwich, several miles north of Saxmundham
On minor roads off B1125
One mile south of Dunwich
Signposted from the A12
Tel. 01728 648505
Open: daily dawn to dusk
National Trust property; one of Suffolk’s most important nature conservation areas; walks; bird reserve of Minsmere; observation room in converted coastguard cottages; tea-room; shop

Easton Farm Park
Suffolk
Eastern Counties
Easton
Tel. 0 1728 746 475
Open: Feb and Oct and half terms, daily, 10:30am-6pm; April-end Sep, Tue-Sun, 10.30am-6pm; open on Mon except during July and Aug
35 acre Victorian 'Model Farm' including a dairy; free pony rides, pet and feed animals; walks along River Deben; vintage working machinery; oldest working portable steam engine in the country; tea room; shop; holiday cottages; parking
Web: Easton Farm Park

Elvaston Castle Country Park
Derbyshire
East Midlands
Borrowash Rd (B5010)
Elvaston
Tel. 01332 571342
Open: year round, grounds 9am to dusk; old English garden open in the summer 10am-4pm, winter until 3.30pm—call first to check; car park open 9am-8pm summer and until 5pm in winter; shop open 11am-4.30pm daily from Easter-Oct and weekends from Nov-March.
Former home of earls of Harrington--building open once in a while; 250 acre country park and local nature reserve with ponds and reedbed, wet woodland and brook; waymarked walks; bridleway; picnic area; visitor centre with shop; bird hides; events; parking fee

Fairburn Ings RSPB Reserve
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Fairburn village (A1246); turn right at Wagon and Horses pub; at T-junction turn right; reserve is 1.5 miles on the left. Close to Castleford, West Yorkshire in Aire Valley; five miles from Leeds
Open: daily, 9am-5pm (main car park); other car park always open; Visitor Centre open 9.30am-5pm weekends and BH, other days 9.30am-4.30pm; closed 25/26 Dec
RSPB reserve especially designed for families with pond dipping, child friendly events, hides, and walks; three trails with variety of habitat spotlight wildlife and birds including kingfisher, green sandpiper, chiffchaff, little ringed plover, reed warbler; winter birds include smews, goldeneyes, and goosanders; summer breeding wading birds include redshanks, snipe, and lapwings; boardwalk projects over the lake; picnic area; shop; drinks available

Falconry Centre UK
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
In grounds of Sion Hill Hall
Kirby Wiske, near Thirsk
Tel. 0 1845 587 522
Open: daily, March-end Oct, 10.30am-5pm, flying displays at 11:30am, 1:30 and 3.30pm
Bird of Prey and Conservation Centre; birds on view include eagles, owls, vultures, falcons, and hawks; falconry courses offered; parking; tea-room
Falconry Centre

Far Ings National Nature Reserve
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
South bank of Humber estuary
One mile west of Barton-upon-Humber
200 acre reserve with freshwater reedbeds and wildlife that includes bittern, marsh harrier, bearded tit, and water vole; Far Ings Visitor and Education Centre has views of the nearby pit and River Humber; teaching areas; bird hide; free parking; purpose built picnic areas; shop

Fell Foot Park
Cumbria
North-west Counties
Halfway between Ambleside and Windermere
On the A591 beside Windermere lake
Tel. 015395 31273
Open: daily, year round, 9am-5pm; shop and tea-room open mid March-end Oct, 11am-5pm, daily
National Trust park; Victorian lawns and garden; Victorian boathouses have tea-room and shop; rowboats for hire April-end Oct, daily, 11am-5pm; admission: free; summer activity programme; picnic area

Ferry Farm Country Park
Nottinghamshire
East Midlands
Boat Lane, Hoveringham
Off the A612, Nottingham to Southwell road between Lowdham and Thurgarton
Tel. 0115 966 4512
Email: Ferry Farm Country Park
Open: mid March-end Sep, Tue-Sun; also open holiday Mon, 10am-5.30pm; Oct-mid March, Thu-Sun
Indoor barn, farmyard, adventure playground; restaurant; shop
Web: Ferry Farm Country Park

Fingringhoe Wick Nature Reserve
Essex
Eastern Counties
South Green Road, Fingringhoe, Colchester
Sign posted off B1025 Colchester to Mersea Island Road
Tel. 01206 729678
Open 9am-5pm Tue-Sun
Bird watching; grassland, heathland, and water habitats; events; shop

Folly Farm Wildlife Discovery Centre
Somerset
South-west Counties
A368 towards Bishop Sutton, then past turning to Chew Magna, take next small turning on left just before reaching Stowey
Open: not given on Avon Wildlife Trust website
Housed in 17th century farm buildings; bats; butterflies include small tortoiseshell, gatekeeper, marbled white, and rare marsh fritillary; ancient coppiced woodland with primrose, bluebell, and early purple orchid; wildflowers include betony, ox-eye daisy, and heath spotted orchid; among the birds are nuthatch, buzzard, tawny owl, and great spotted woodpecker; day and residental courses include gardening, herbal medicine, and wildlife film-making; guided nature walks; car park

Fowlmead Country Park
Kent
South-east Counties
Sholden, on A258 two miles from Deal
Tel. 01634 899910
Open: information not posted on website
Cycling, birdwatching, nature walks; Fossil Wall is a unique site for geologists and fossil hunters, revealing a glimpse of life on earth 310 million years ago
Web: Fowlmead

Fradley Junction
Staffordshire
West Midlands
Airewas, Burton upon Trent
Tel. 01827 252 000
Open: daily all year; café daily 10am-4pm in winter, summer from 10am-5pm.
Meeting point of Trent and Mersey and Coventry canals; nature reserve, walks, café; boat day hire; tourist information centre; pub; guided towpath walks; bird watching

Gibraltar Point National Nature Reserve
Lincolnshire
East Midlands
between Skegness and the estuary of the River Steeping
Access points at Seacroft Esplanade at the southern end of Skegness and at two car parks on Gibraltar Road.
Tel. 01754 898057 for Wash Study Centre; 01507 526667 for Lincolnshire Trust
Open: April-end Oct, daily from 10am-5pm; Nov-end March, daily from 11am-4pm.
Coastline renowned for wildlife; first declared a reserve in 1949; sand dunes, freshwater mere, and salt marsh; diverse fauna, 35 species of birds include plover and redshank; Visitor Centre has exhibitions with interactive features and state-of-art technology and map; hides. Residential facilities for visiting groups and educational facilities in the adjacent Wash Study Centre. Café, shop
Web: Lincolnshire Trust

Go Ape Forest Adventure
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Dalby Forest and 15 other locations in the UK
Tel. 0845 643 1726
Open: mid March-end Oct plus Feb half term and weekends in Nov and Dec; booking essential—through website or by phone
Award-winning high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides set high up in Dalby forest tree tops; visit website for all locations
Web: Go Ape

Great Notley Country Park and Discovery Centre
Essex
Eastern Counties
Great Notely, Braintree
Open: country park, dawn-dusk daily; Discovery Centre times not given
Adventure play trails for children; country park; bistro; cycle hire; charge car-parking

Greenwich Park
Greater London
Reached from London by Jubilee underground North Greenwich, then 188 bus; by DLR to Cutty Sark station or Greenwich station; buses and riverboats also available.
Open: park from 6am to pedestrians, 7am to traffic, year round; teahouse from 9am-8pm in summer, until 4pm in winter; St Mary’s Gate Café from 9am-8pm in summer, in winter weekends only.
London’s oldest enclosed royal park with 180 acres; part of the World Heritage site and a Grade I listed landscape; chestnut avenues; location of the Prime Meridian and the Royal Observatory; flower garden; boating lake; wilderness with deer; pavilion tea garden; children’s playground.

Grizedale Park Visitor Centre
Cumbria
North-west Counties
Grizedale, Ambleside
On a minor road in the Grizedale forest, reached from the B5285 near Hawkshead.
Tel. visitor centre: 01229.860010
Open: forest open site; visitor centre open 10am-5pm in summer and until 4pm in winter.
Visitor centre, tearoom, shop; playground; exhibition; waymarked trails; sculptures

Ham Wall Wetland
Somerset
South-west Counties
From village of Meare down Ashcott Road to Ashcott Corner where entrance is located
Three miles west of Glastonbury in the Somerset levels and moors
Tel.01458 860494
Open: countryside, open site
RSPB wetland with over 200 hectares of reedbeds, wet scrub, and open water with woods and grassland on the edge; nature trails, viewing points, displays; events throughout the year; birds seen include bearded tit, Cetti’s warbler, gadwall, hobby, and starling; wading birds, owls, and roe deer at different times of year

Harrold-Odell Country Park
Bedfordshire
Eastern Counties
Carlton Rd, Harrold
Tel. 0 1234 720 016
Open: year round, open site
144 acres of countryside; Nature Reserve; two lakes; woodland; water meadows; Great Ouse river; walking; bird watching-160 species, ducks, geese; bats; wildlife; wild flowers; café; parking; picnic area
Web: Harrold-Odell Country Park

Hatfield Forest
Essex
Eastern Counties
Takeley, near Bishop's Stortford
Signposted off the A120
Tel. 01279 870678 or 01279 874040 (info line)
Open: forest, daily, all year, dawn to dusk;
National Trust property; ancient royal hunting forest; ancient coppiced and pollarded trees; rare and specialized wildlife; Discovery Room has displays on countryside, wildlife, art and history of the area; miles of walks and nature trails; fishing on lake; woodland products for sale; cafe near lake (closed Feb-3rd week March); pay car park

Hawkstone Park and Historic Follies
Shropshire
West Midlands
Weston-under-Redcastle, near Shrewsbury
Tel. 01948 841 700 or 01948 841 777
Open: days, times vary greatly; go to website below and click on Admission Hours for full details
100 acres of 18th century countryside creation with ravines, arches, bridges, cliffs, woodlands, and caves; allow minimum half day to visit; tea-room; shop; visitor centre; if possible bring your own torch for tunnels and caves as limited number for hire
Web: Hawkstone Park and Follies

High Woods Country Park
Essex
Eastern Counties
Off Turner Rd, Colchester
Tel. 01206 853588
Open: year round, 7am-10pm in summer; until 7pm in winter
300 acres of grassland, woodland, and wetland; visitor centre, shop, walks, trails, events; drinks when visitor centre is open.

Highland Cattle Centre
Northumberland
North-east Counties
Dere St Farm
near Stocksfield, Northumberland; access via B6309
Tel: 07968 865591
Open: 10am-5pm, Tue-Sun, Easter-end Sep; Oct and Feb half term; other times by appointment
Dedicated Highland Cattle centre on working farm offers visitors opportunity to learn more about the cattle and other animals including pigs, goats, and rabbits. Hands on experience: cows can be combed, lambs fed, and eggs collected from chickens. Field walks; car park; picnic area; café
Website: Highland Cattle Centre

Hill Hole Quarry Nature Reserve
Leicestershire
East Midlands
Hill Lane, Markfield
Tel. 01455 238 141
Open: daily, dawn-dusk
Hay meadow, woodland, heath grassland, water-filled quarry

Honeysuckle Farm
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Bewholme Lane (off the B1244)
Hornsea, E Yorkshire
Tel. 0 1964 533 873
Open: 3rd week March-first weekend Sep, daily, 10am-5pm
Shire horses, fish, chickens, play barn, baby animals, ice cream made on the farm; milking demonstratin at 1.30pm; farm shop selling ice cream; tea room serving light refreshments; parking
Web: Honeysuckle Farm

How Stean Gorge
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Lofthouse
Pateley Bridge
North Yorkshire
HG3 5SF
Tel: 01423 755666
In the heart of Nidderdale; trails through the gorge and Tom Taylor cave; restaurant and tearoom; bike hire.

Hundred Acre Wood
East and West Sussex
South-east Counties
Ashdown Forest, near the village of Hartfield, East Sussex
Follow the path through the woods to the site of Pooh Bridge made famous by the Winnie-the-Pooh books; in the village are shops selling Pooh memorabilia

Hylands House and Park
Essex
Eastern Counties
Two miles from Chelmsford, A414
Tel. 01245 355455
Open: Sun, Mon, and BHs, 11am-6pm
Grade II listed villa in 500 acres of parkland and gardens; library, drawing room, banqueting room, Georgian cellar, exhibition on the house.

Ilam Park
Derbyshire
East Midlands
Ilam near Ashbourne
On the banks of the river Manifold
Tel. 01335 350245
Open: park all year, daily; tearoom and shop from 11am-4pm, until 5pm on summer weekends
Countryside walks; Youth Hostel in grounds; tearoom; shop; Learning and Discover Centre

Lackham Country Park
Wiltshire
South-west Counties
Lackham Country Park
Wiltshire College grounds, Lackham
Three miles south of Chippenham on A350
Tel. 0 1249 466 800
Open: Sun-Fri, 10am-5pm
Woodland walks; animal trail; miniature railway; tractor and trailer rides; formal gardens; thatched and traditional buildings with displays on trades and crafts, farming and village domestic life; plant sales; parking; shop; tea-room
Web: Lackham Country Park

Langley Park
Buckinghamshire
South-east Counties
Opposite Black Park
Off the A412 Slough-Uxbridge road
Tel: 01753 511060
Open: 8.15am (year round)-4.30pm in Jan, Feb, Oct, Nov, Dec; March, April, May, Sep until 7.30pm; June, July, Aug until 8.30pm
Estate made up of 130 acre historic Langley Park with ancient trees, arboretum and Temple Gardens with rhododendrons; horse-riding, cycling, walking; lake; picnic area; deer, fox and other wildlife; parking; for guided walks and map of trees visit the website
Web: Langley Park

Lodge Park and Sherborne Estate
Gloucestershire
South-west Counties
Aldsworth near Cheltenham
Approach via A40, three miles east of Northleach
Tel. 01451 844130
Open: April-end Oct, Mon, Fri, and Sun, 11am-4pm, on Sat until 3pm; estate open all year daily
National Trust property; 4000 acres of countryside with walks; historic grandstand building

Longshaw Estate
Derbyshire
East Midlands
7.5 miles from Sheffield
Next to A625 Sheffield-Hathersage road
Also a carpark off the B6055 nearby
Open: estate open all year, daily; visitor centre open daily April, July and Aug, 10.30am-5pm; Sep and Oct, Wed-Sun, 10.30am-5pm; Nov-March, weekends, 10.30am-4pm
National Trust property; 1500 acres of open moorland and woodland with walks; wide variety of birds; program of events; tearoom, shop; visitor centre; visitor guide; Moorland Discovery Centre for education groups; Christmas tree sales; family activities

Lowther Parklands
Cumbria
North-west Counties
Hackthorpe, five miles south of Penrith
Tel. 01931 712577
Open: Easter and weekends until end of May; May-mid Sep, daily, 10am-6pm
150 acres, once an ancient deer park, of English Heritage Grade II listed parkland; play activities for children include rides, boating, adventure playgrounds, miniature railway, petting zoo, and putting green; peacocks; shop; refreshments; parking

Lulworth Park
Dorset
South-west Counties
Parkland at Lulworth Cove near heritage coast and Durdle Door.
Tel. 01929 400587
Open: daily, 10am-6pm in summer, until 4pm in winter
Animal park, walks, coastline, beach, castle, castle house, chapel
Website Lulworth Park

Marston Vale Country Park and Forest Centre
Bedfordshire
Eastern Counties
Between Stewartby Lake and the 'Wetlands' area by footpaths and cycle ways from Stewart
Also by road from Station Road, Marston Moretaine (A421)
Tel. 01234 767037
Open: 10am-6pm in summer, until 5pm in winter
60 square miles of woodlands and wetlands; lake; cafe; events
Website: Marston Vale Country Park

Minsmere Nature Reserve
Suffolk
Eastern Counties
Minor road dead ends from Westleton to Dunwich road east of Westleton, Saxmundham.
On Heritage Coast between Southwold and Aldeburgh
Tel. 01728 648281
Open: Reserve and visitor centre open all year, every day except Tue, Christmas and Boxing Day; visitor centre open 9am-5pm, Feb–Oct; 9am-4pm, Nov-end Jan
RSPB site; nature trails through variety of habitats with wildlife and birdwatching hides; year round programme of events and guided walks; visitor centre; shop; tea-room
Website: RSPB

Morden Bog National Nature Reserve
Dorset
South-west Counties
Wareham Forest
1.5 miles from Wareham
Open: year round, dawn-dusk
Heathland and forest, one of the largest valley mire habitats in England; waymarked walk; seven mile family cycle trail; free map available from most visitors centres. Car park

Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park
Cornwall
South-west Counties
Cremyll, Torpoint
On Rame Peninsula, south-east Cornwall
Tel. 01752 822236
Open: House and garden, April-end Sep, Sun-Thu and BH Mon, 11am-4.30pm (group bookings in March and Oct); country park all year, daily 8am-dusk
18th century former home of earls of Mount Edgcumbe; paintings and tapestries; Grade I Cornish Gardens; 865 acres country park with pool, bronze age burial ground, 1545 blockhouse, 1788 church, folly, 1755 temple, orangery, stables, and more; national collection of camellias in the garden; cruises on river Tamar available; pay and free car parks various places; tea-room and restaurant April-Oct; shop
Web: Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park

National Forest Maize Maze
Staffordshire
West Midlands
Postern House Farm, Tatenhill
Burton on Trent, DE13 9SJ
Tel. 01812 333 315
Open: July 15-4 Sep; 10.30am-6pm, last admission one hour before closing
Three miles of pathways, towers, and bridges in cornfield maze; farm attractions include tractor rides

North Cave Wetlands Nature Reserve
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Near village of North Cave
From M62 at junction 38 onto the northbound B1230. Follow this for just under two miles to the village of North Cave. Once in the village take a left at the crossroads, then left at the next set of crossroads. Turn left into Dryam Lane and parking is on the left hand side.
Reserve of several large lakes, wetlands and mixed terrestrial habitats; over 170 birds, 200 plants species, 24 butterfly species; ringed plover, oystercatcher, redshank and avocet; waders, dabbling ducks, and diving ducks such as goldeneye, pochard and smew; sand cliffs provide nesting habitat for sand martins and kingfishers; ground nesting birds include skylark, meadow pipit and redshank; hedgerows of hawthorn, blackthorn, and elm; alder woodland; wintering goldfinch, redpoll and siskin; hobby, merlin and peregrine falcon year round; common blue, small skipper, and wall brown butterflies.

Old Moor RSPB Reserve
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
From A635 towards Barnsley follow the brown RSPB Old Moor signs.
From A6195 (Doncaster) pass Morrison's superstore and then follow brown RSPB signs
Open: Nov-end Jan, visitor centre 9.30am-4pm; Feb-end Oct, visitor centre 9.30am-5pm; closed 25/26 Dec
Near Barnsley in South Yorkshire in the Dearne Valley
Habitats of open water, marsh, reedbeds, and grassland support over 8000 golden plovers and other waterfowl; kingfisher, lapwing, and tree sparrow; summer visitors include swallows and martins, and dragonflies; two trails, one is short trail and especially for families, children’s play area; pond dipping, dragonfly and butterfly walks; picnic area; guided walks available; tea-room; large shop

Onchan Wetlands Reserve
Isle of Man
Curragh Kiondroghad
Two minutes walk from shopping centre in Onchan or Church road near Onchan from A2, park on left as road dips; entrance across piece of land
Boardwalk, flowers, birds

Orford Ness
Suffolk
Eastern Counties
Orford Quay
Tel. 01394 450900
Open: April-June and part of Oct, Sat only; July-end Sep, Tue-Sat; access is only by ferry from Orford Quay with boats crossing between 10am and 2pm
National Trust property; largest vegetated shingle spit in Europe with variety of habitats including shingle, salt marsh, mudflat, lagoons and marsh; important bird location; five-mile route

Potteric Carr Nature Reserve
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Doncaster
two miles south-east of Doncaster, close to Junction 3 of the M18; from Doncaster, take the A6182 (White Rose Way) and turn left at the roundabout near B&Q; from the M18 Junction 3, take the A6182 and turn right at the first roundabout.
Open; daily from 9am; last entry 5pm
500 acres of habitats range from open water to marsh to woodland to wetland and reed fen; 200 species of birds include kingfisher, long-eared owl, reed and sedge warblers, woodpeckers and woodcock; marsh plants include great spearwort, lesser water-plantain, lesser reedmace, greater tussock sedge, purple small reed, great water dock, yellow-wort and traveller's joy; 28 species of butterfly include comma, gatekeeper, whiter-letter hairstreak, purple hairstreak and brown argus; 19 species of dragonfly include black-tailed skimmer, banded demoiselle, hairy dragonfly, broad-bodied chaser and ruddy darter.

Pride of the Valley Sculpture Park
Surrey
South-east Counties
Jumps Rd, Churt, Farnham, near the A287
Tel. 01428 605 453
Open: daily, 10am-5pm
Sculptures by many artists set along 1.5 miles of all-weather pathways; three lakes, two streams, lawns, bogs, woodland
Web: Pride of the Valley Sculpture Park

Queen Elizabeth Country Park
Hampshire
South-east Counties
Gravel Hill, Horndean
PO8 0QE
Tel. 023 9259 5040
Open: daily; visitor centre, shop and café from 10am-5.30, March-end Oct; Nov-3rd week Dec and Jan and Feb until 4.30
1400 acres of open access woodland and downland; East Hampshire Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; 20 miles of trails for walkers, cyclists and horse riders; Butser Hill National Nature Reserve (over 30 species of butterfly) and the highest point on the south downs; four water features, visitor centre; play trail for young children; café, shop; charge for car parking

Radipole Lake Nature Reserve
Dorset
South-west Counties
RSPB Visitor Centre
Swannery Car Park, Weymouth
Tel. 0 1305 778313
Migrating bird site in spring and late summer and autumn. Made up of open water, reedbeds (largest in south-west England), flower meadows (southern marsh orchid blooms in summer), and scrubby bushes; interpretative displays, bird hide, nature trails; audio guide; bird news; shop; hot drinks and snacks; birds include little and great crested grebe, cormorant and grey heron; ducks at the reserve are pochard, shoveler, and teal; gulls include iceland, glaucous, ring-billed, and Mediterranean; resident birds are the cetti's warbler and bearded tit.

Rare Breeds Centre and Country Farm Park
Kent
South-east Counties
Woodchurch
M20, jct 10 on the B2067
Tel. 0 1233 861 493
Open: year round, April-end Oct, daily, 10.30am-5.30pm; Nov-March, Tue-Sun, 10.30am-4.30pm; closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan
Two play barns; animals to pet; discovery garden; wildlife garden; woodland adventure course; trails; summer butterfly tunnel and gardens; aerial runways and play fort; trailer rides; countryside interpretation lodge; walk through aviary; creepy crawlies; pig racing and other special events; birds of prey; parking
Web: Rare Breeds Centre and Country Farm Park

Rosliston Forestry Centre
Derbyshire
East Midlands
Burton Rd, Rosliston
Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE12 8JX
Tel. 01283 563 483
Open: daily
Meadows, ponds, fishing, play area, guided walks, talks, waterfowl, bats in the summer, owls and kestrels, snowdrops and bluebells, butterflies, conkers; lodges to rent; shop, restaurant; picnic areas, cycle rental; sensory garden
Web: Rosliston Forestry Centre

Royal Society for the Protection of Birds National Headquarters
Bedfordshire
Eastern Counties
On the B1042 between Sandy and Potton
Tel: 01767 680551. Tourist info: 01767 682728
Open: Reserve 9am-9pm; shop 9am-5pm
Grounds, woodland walks, gardens and shop with bird items
Website: RSPB National Headquarters

Rufford Abbey and Country Park
Nottinghamshire
East Midlands
Two miles south of Ollerton, off A614
Tel. 01623 822944
Open: all year, daily, 10am-5pm; closed 25 Dec
English Heritage property set in country park; remains of 17th century manor house and 12th century Cistercian abbey set in a country park; parking; picnic area; refreshments; craft centre

Salcey Forest
Northamptonshire
East Midlands
Quinton to Hanslope road
Six miles south-west of Northampton near Hartwell village
Tel. 01780 444920
Ancient woodland with old oaks, walks and wildlife including fallow and muntjac deer, bats, and dormice; birds include warbler, nightingale, woodcock, woodpecker, buzzard, nuthatch, blue, great and long-tailed tits, and greenfinches; ponds are home to various insects and reptiles; café, children’s play area, surface trails, horse and cycle routes; picnic areas; orienteering course; charge for car park.

Salthome Wildlife Reserve and Discovery Park
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
On the A178; nearest town is Milddlesbrough; 1.5 miles north of Port Clarence
Tel. 0 1642 546 625
Open: year round, daily except 25 Dec; April-end Sep, 10am-5pm; Oct-end March, 10am-4pm
RSPB reserve opens March 2009; state of the art visitor centre has panoramic wetland views; information centre; bird hides; footpaths; walled wildlife garden; playground; tea-room; shop; picnic area; special events; parking; species to be seen include lapwing, breeding tern, water rail, yellow ragtail, peregrine, sand martin, skylark, shell duck, tufted duck, golden plover, curlew, and great crested grebe

Sandringham Estate
Norfolk
Eastern Counties
On B1440 north-east of King’s Lynn
Tel. 01553 612908
Open: house, museum, and gardens, mid April-mid July and early Aug-end Oct; check website for full details
Holiday home of the Royal family in 60 acres of grounds; dining room, drawing room and two parlours on view; museum of vintage royal cars; large country park across the road from the house has amenities, shop and restaurant
Website: Sandringham Estate

Scarlett Visitor Centre
Isle of Man
Scarlett Point, Castletown
Tel. 01624 801 985
Open: May-Sep, daily except Mon, 2-5pm
Displays of flora and fauna, industrial archaeological history of limestone kilns; coastal nature trail. Operated by Manx Wildlife Trust.

Sence Valley Forest Park
Leicestershire
East Midlands
Ravenstone Rd, Ibstock
Tel. 01889 586 593
Open: daily, dawn-dusk
150 acre park of woodland, lakes, meadow, trails, wildlife hides; car park

Sharpenhose Clappers Chalkland
Bedfordshire
Eastern Counties
On the A6 south of Bedford
Near the village of Barton-le-Clay
Open: open countryside
National Trust property; walks, flowers, and views

Sheringham Park
Norfolk
Eastern Counties
Off the A148 Cromer-Holt Road by car
By local train from Sheringham town station
Tel. 01263 8232778
Open: all year, daily, dawn-dusk
National Trust property; landscaped park, woods, woodland garden, walks, viewing towers; restored train station and steam train from Sheringham through the woods makes a stop in the park

Sherwood Forest Country Park and Centre
Nottinghamshire
East Midlands
On the B6034, just north of village of Edwinstowe
Follow brown tourist signs from roundabout at Ollerton on the A614
Open: park, daily, dawn to dusk; visitor centre, April-Oct, daily, 10.30am-5pm; Nov-March, 10.30am-4.30pm
Exhibition, video, café; walks in the forest, home of the famous oak tree of Robin Hood legend

Shire Horse Centre
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Staitondale, off A171
Whitby to Scarborough road, on a farm
Tel. 01723 870458
Open: 3rd week May-1st week Sep, Tue, Wed, Fri, and BH Sun and Mon, 10.30am-4.30pm
Shows with horses and Shetland ponies; stables; forge; picnic area; café; shop; children’s program in summer
Website: Shire Horse Farm

South Lakes Wild Animal Park
Cumbria
North-west Counties
Crossgates, Dalton-in-Furness, Signposted from the A590
Bus service from the main bus terminal at Tudor Square.
Tel. 01229 466086
Open: daily, 10am-6pm, except 4.15pm in winter.
14-acre center for conservation, breeding, and education; more than one hundred species of animals situated according to the continent they come from; tiger conservation centre for the rare Amur and Sumatran tigers.

Southerscales National Nature Reserve
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
On north-west slopes of Ingleborough, and part of Ingleborough National Nature Reserve
Limestone pavement of national importance; ferns and flowering plants; cliffs are nesting sites for sea birds that include puffins, razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes and fulmars; feeding point for migratory birds; maritime and chalk grassland plants; specialised algae and rare lichens; butterflies in summer are the small tortoiseshell, meadow brown, and painted lady.
Off the B6255 Ingleton to Hawes road in North Yorkshire. Park in the car park next to the Old Hill Inn and take the path just beyond the Inn towards Hawes.
From Bridlington take the B1255 out of the town centre to Flamborough and follow the signs for North Landing. There is parking in a public pay-and-display car park at North Landing.

Spurn National Nature Reserve
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Located east from Hull to Patrington, then take the B1445 to Kilnsea & Spurn.
Curving sandy peninsula with dunes stretching 3.5 miles across the mouth of River Humber; large number of wintering birds and passage waders and wildfowl; insect and plant species. Car park fee.

Standalone Farm
Hertfordshire
Eastern Counties
Wilbury Rd, Letchworth Garden City
Tel. 0 1462 686 775
Open: March-Oct, daily, 11am-5pm
170 acres with large and small farm animals: sheep, ducks, goats, rabbits, donkeys, owls, pigs, horses, chickens, wildfowl hide; parking; play area; picnic area

Staunton Harold Reservoir and Visitor Centre
Derbyshire
East Midlands
Calke Rd, Windmill Hill, Melbourne
Tel. 01332 865 081
Open: April-Oct, 7am-dusk; Nov-March, 8.30am-4pm
210 acre reservoir and visitor centre with wildflower meadow; bird watching; dinghy and sailboarding; walk to Calke Abbey; coarse fishing; events and activities. Car parking fee

Stockley Working Farm
Cheshire
North-west Counties
Smithy House
Arley Estate
Arley, Northwich, Cheshire CW9 6LZ
Tel. 01565 777492 for organic produce or 01565 777323 for farm enquiries
700 acre working dairy farm; viewing gallery of milking parlour for visitors; tractor and trailer ride; baby animals such as calves, piglets, goats, lambs; organic produce for delivery by the box.
Tea room
Website: Stockley Working Farm

Stonehurst Farm and Motor Museum
Leicestershire
East Midlands
Bond Lane, Mountsorrel
Tel. 01509 413 216
Open: daily, year round, 9.30am-5pm; closed Dec 25-Jan 2
Children’s farmyard animals include cows, sheep, pigs, goats, horses, and donkeys; baby rabbits and guinea pigs; activity play area for kids; tractor and trailer rides; pony rides weekends; pond dipping; Motor Museum has collection of vintage motor cars, motorcycles and memorabilia; 1920s garage and working blacksmith forge; farm shop, gift shop, restaurant and teashop; parking

Studland Beach and Nature Reserve
Dorset
South-west Counties
On south-west coast path
Tel. 01929 450259 (National Trust Purbeck Estate Office)
Open: different times durng the year; check National Trust website for full details
National Nature Reserve of dune, heath, woodland, and wetland; three mile sandy beach, bird hides; NT shop at Knoll beach; boat parks and launching at Shell Bay and Knoll Beach; horse riding on beach by permit. Car parks.

Summer Leys Local Nature Reserve
Northamptonshire
East Midlands
near Wellingborough
Part of the Nene Valley Reserve, a larger Site of Special Scientific Interest, which is an important refuge for wintering and breeding birds, including golden plover, lapwing, wigeon and shoveler, egret, peregrine falcon, goldeneye, and smew.

Sutton-cum-Lound Wetlands Waterfowl Reserve
Nottinghamshire
East Midlands
Sutton-cum-Lound, Retford
Tel. 0 1777 818 099
Open: daily, 10.30am-4.30pm
Wetlands with residents from all over the globe; animals at close quarters includemonkeys, deer, wallaby, and meerkat; parking
Web: Sutton-cum-Lound Wetlands Waterfowl Reserve

Sylvia’s Meadow Nature Reserve
Cornwall
South-west Counties
St Anne’s Chapel, Honnicombe, East Cornwall
Accessed through Tamar Valley Donkey Park
Tel. 01872 273939
Open: daily, 10am-5pm, spring- end Sep
Site of Special Scientific Interest owned and managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust ; species-rich neutral unimproved grassland, rich in orchids, including both common and heath spotted orchids (best display in June); use Donkey Park car park and go to their ticket office for meadow directions

Tapton Lock Visitor Centre
Derbyshire
East Midlands
Lockoford Lane, Chesterfield
On Chesterfield canal
Tel: 01246 551035
Open: April-Oct, 10am-4.30pm, rest of year weekends only until 4pm
Visitor centre has information on canal and countryside sites and attractions; program of activities and events; boat rides on Sun and BH Mon from 1-4pm; towpath along the canal; picnic area; parking; waymarked walks; light refreshments

Thatcham Nature Discovery Centre
Berkshire
South-east Counties
Muddy Lane, Lower Way, Thatcham
Tel. 01635 874381 for details

The Hop Farm Country Park
Kent
South-east Counties
Paddock Wood, Kent. TN12 6PY
Tel. 01622 872068
Open: daily except Christmas week, 10am-7pm.
Website: The Hop Farm
Children’s Play area; shire horses; animal farm; museums on Kent heritage and rural history.

Thornton Reservoir
Leicestershire
East Midlands
Reservoir Rd
Thornton
Tel. 01332 865 081; for events and activities tel. 0870 1791 111; for fishing tel. 01530 230 808.
Open: April-Oct, 7am-dusk; Nov-March, 9am-4pm
75 acres in rolling farmland and woodland with exhibition and fishing lodge; trails for walkers and cyclists.

Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Falcon Conservation Centre
Yorkshire
North-east Counties
Bedale
Tel. 01677 425323 (arboretum) 01677 427755 (birds of prey centre)
Open: arboretum, tearoom, bird of prey and mammal centre, daily, 10am-5pm, mid-Feb-mid-Nov; flying displays at 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm; animal guided tour at 12.15pm; mid Nov-mid Feb, arboretum, tearoom, bird of prey and mammal centre, daily, 11am-3pm; flying displays at 1.30pm Mon-Fri, 11.30am and 1.30pm on Sat and Sun
85 acres of woodland walks; large collection of trees and shrubs with four National Collections; walled garden; captive breeding and conservation centre for falcons with demonstrations
Web: Thorp Perrow

Top Lodge at Fineshade Woods
Northamptonshire
East Midlands
Fineshade Woods
Rockingham Forest
off A43 between Stamford and Corby
Tel. 01780 444920
Open: daily, 10am-5pm; closed 25 Dec
Forest centre with all ability paths, horse and cycle trails; wildlife hide; cameras with views of red kite nesting sites; café, local made ice-cream; RSPB shop, local craft outlet, children’s play area, picnic areas; special activities and events throughout the year
For more details see Top Lodge

Totternhoe Wood Knolls
Bedfordshire
Eastern Counties
On minor road off the A505
or the B5489, just west of Dunstable
Nature reserve

Walsall Arboretum
Greater Birmingham
West Midlands
Lichfield St
Walsall near Birmingham
Tel: 0845 111 2909
Open: park
Victorian parkland, lakes, gardens, woodland walks,children's play area, tennis courts, football pitches, golf course; café; lights and laser show takes place every autumn with live entertainment and rides.
Web: Walsall Light Show and Walsall Council

Washington Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre
Tyne and Wear (Tyneside)
North-east Counties
Pattinson, Washington
Four miles from the A1, east of Washington
Tel: 0191 416 5454
Open: Nov-March, daily, 9.30am-4.30pm; April-Oct, 9.30am-5.30pm; closed 25 Dec; last admission 1/2 hour before closing
100 acres provide wintering habitat for migratory waterbirds; lake; woodlands with bluebells and primrose; meadows with wildflowers; wetland adventure play area for kids; waterfall and stream; waterfowl nursery; flamingo colony; bird hide in the woods; cafe; shop
Web: Washington Wetlands and Wildlife Trust

Westonbirt National Arboretum
Gloucestershire
South-west Counties
Three miles south-west of Tetbury
On the A433
Tel. 0 1666 880 220
Open: year round, daily; Mon-Fri, 9am-dusk; Sat and Sun, 8am-dusk
Grade I landscape; 600 acres of trees; 18,000 specimen trees and shrubs; 17 miles of paths; visitor centre; shop; plant centre; café; restaurant; picnic area; parking; exhibitions; workshops; special events
Web: Westonbirt

Whipsnade Tree Cathedral
Bedfordshire
Eastern Counties
Two miles south of Dunstable
Off the B4540 (car park signposted)
Tel. 01582 872406
Open: open land but car park locked around dusk
National Trust property; 26 acres of trees planted in the plan of a medieval cathedral

Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve
Cambridgeshire
Eastern Counties
3 miles west of Soham on Lode Lane, Ely
Tel. 01353 72074
Open: daily, dawn to dusk; visitor centre, daily except Mon, 10am-5pm; open BH; Fen Cottage open April-end Sep, Sun and BH Mon, 2-5pm
National Trust property; fen meadows, reeds, sedge beds, 5000 species of birds, plants, and mammals; walkways and boat tours; exhibitions in visitor centre; historic fen cottage; light snacks and drinks
See our article and photos at Wicken Fen National Nature Reserve

Winkworth Arboretum
Surrey
South-east Counties
Hascombe Road, Godalming
Open: year round during daylight hours
National Trust property; hillside, woodland, lakes, rare trees and shrubs

Wirral Country Park Visitor Centre
Merseyside/Liverpool
North-west Counties
Thurstaston, Wirral, Merseyside
Tel. 0151-648 4371
Open: year round
Bird hide, small exhibition area, picnic area, maps of the park; family attraction

Wollaton Hall and Deer Park
Nottinghamshire
East Midlands
At Wollaton near Nottingham.
Tel. 0115 915 3900.
Open: hall in summer from 11am-5pm, in winter until 4pm; park open all year 9am-dusk.
Industrial museum and steam engine house in stables. 500-acre deer park.

Woodhorn Experience
Northumberland
North-east Counties
at the Queen Elizabeth II country park on A189 halfway between Alnwick and Newcastle city centre
Tel. 01670 52 80 80
Open: Wed-Sun and Bank Holidays but not Christmas Day, April-Oct, 10am-5pm; Nov-March, 10am-4pm
Country park, underground coal mine trip, colliery experience; exhibitions; cafe; shop
Web: Experience Woodhorn