Botanic Gardens

Alright, so you're thinking of a relaxed day out? Botanic Gardens is a solid shout. I've been going since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, and it's still a decent place to kill a few hours. Google reviews put it at 4.5 stars from over 3,000 reviews, which is about right. It's been here since 1874, so they must be doing something right!

The gardens are pretty heavily wooded, with a fernery, an aviary, and there's a gift shop if you need a stick of rock or something. There's a cafe too, does a decent cuppa and a bacon butty. Obviously, it's mainly outdoors, so best on a dryish day, but the fernery offers some shelter if the weather turns. It's open year-round, from 7:00/7:30am until 8pm every day, so you can always squeeze in a visit.

It's a good spot for families with kids – plenty of space to run around, and the aviary always keeps them entertained for a bit. It's free to get in, which is a massive bonus these days. You can't really go wrong for a free day out.

If you're driving, parking around there can be a pain, especially on weekends. Give them a ring on 01704 214164 if you need to check anything, but otherwise, just rock up and enjoy.