5 of the best country parks in the UK
Wide-open space and fresh air is important for staying healthy and happy - and is especially good for keeping your little ones occupied.
For those of us who live in towns and cities, country parks offer an easy way to enjoy the outdoors, since they are usually located on the edges of built-up areas.
How many country parks are there in the UK?
With more than 250 country parks across the UK, there's sure to be one near you.
What are common features of country parks?
Smaller than national parks, country parks resemble the open countryside, but with amenities such as toilets and car parks and often a play area for the children to burn off some steam
Country parks commonly feature lakes and woods also and attract a diverse range of wildlife
Here are 5 of the best country parks in the UK.
1. London: Forty Hall Country Park
Located near Enfield, north London, this beautiful country park is perfect for dog walking and strolling.
Enjoy peaceful walks in a setting that encompasses an ornamental lake, medieval fishing ponds and streams, a walled garden, lawns and meadows
The centrepiece of this 273-acre Grade II listed estate is the historic Forty Hall, which is surrounded by diverse wildlife habitats.
The estate is also home to the remains of Elsyng Palace - a Tudor hunting lodge.
Here you can also see one of the oldest Cedar of Lebanon in England, aged more than 350 years!
2. Cardiff: Forest Farm
The 150 acre Forest Farm includes a nature reserve and the last surviving stretch of the former Glamorganshire canal (Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff).
The freshwater is clean enough for kingfishers and herons to hunt in and there are hides for birdwatchers.
Alongside beeches and oaks aged more than 200 years, visitors can enjoy numerous ponds, scrapes and wetlands.
3. Manchester/Stockport: Reddish Vale Country Park
Boasting 161 hectares along the tranquil River Tame in the middle of Stockport, Reddish Vale attracts thousands of walkers, cyclists and horse riders each year.
Connecting the town centre with Denton in Tameside and Woodley, you can glimpse sand martins and kingfishers on the river banks, and geese, coots, herons, grebes, cormorants, and various ducks on the wetlands.
Fishing is possible with a Stockport & District Anglers Federation Card and Rod license.
4. Glasgow/Strathclyde: Drumpellier Country Park
Take in the natural beauty of Drumpellier country park.
This 500-acre park features two natural lochs, moorland, woodlands and grasslands, and with many paths is ideal for walking and cycling.
Various species of native and migrant birds visit the area, making the park popular with bird watchers.
There's a visitor centre, cafe, wildlife displays and an adventure playground.
This country park is an ideal location for the whole family to enjoy some time in the great outdoors
5. West Midlands: Sheldon Country Park
From Birmingham city centre, Sheldon Country Park is just 15 minutes by car and 45 minutes by bus.
This 96-acre family-friendly park features farms with pigs and cows (also free), a network of paths ideal for dog walkers and a children's' play area.
It's also close to the end of Birmingham Airport's runway, so children and adults can enjoy the low-flying liners as they take off and land - although ear defenders might be a good idea if walking very close to the runway!
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