Botanic Gardens Community Association

Right, so you're looking for a nice day out that won't break the bank? Head to the Botanic Gardens in Churchtown. Listen, it's got a 4.5 rating on Google from a couple of reviews, so it's not exactly a secret, but it's a solid choice – especially if you've got kids who need to run off some steam. I grew up around here, so I've been going since I was knee-high.

The gardens themselves are pretty well kept, and there's plenty of space for a picnic if the weather's playing ball. They're open from 8 in the morning till 10 at night, every day of the week, so you can pretty much go whenever suits you. There's a cool little museum onsite too, though it’s not always open, so check ahead if you're banking on it. Check out the Botanic Gardens Community Association site (botanicgardensca.org.uk) for updates.

Now, the downside? Parking can be a bit of a pain on sunny weekends, especially near the main entrance. You might have to park a bit further out in Churchtown village and walk. But hey, it's free to get in, so you can't complain too much, can you?

Oh, and one last thing: bring some bread to feed the ducks on the lake. The little 'uns will love it.