Haigh Woodland Park

Haigh Woodland Park is a good mix of cultivated prettiness and ancient woodland with plenty of things to do.

The biodiverse plantations are criss-crossed with over 40 miles of footpaths and provide a home for foxes, roe deer, cuckoos, woodpeckers, frogs and other creatures, as well as fungi and woodland flowers.

You can download walking routes for the park, ranging from one to five miles. If you fancy something more strenuous, there’s a Parkrun every Saturday at 9am.

The park’s walled Walker Gardens are where nature is tamed, trimmed and manicured by loyal volunteers. Head here for beautiful herbaceous borders, kitchen gardens, colourful flower beds, and plenty of benches where you can soak up the sights and the scents. It makes for a peaceful break from the busy play area and cafe.

The Courtyard is home to independent shops such as a florist, a chocolatier and a bakery, as well as the café and a craft beer bar. Keep an out for seasonal events such as Halloween celebrations and firework displays.