Brockholes Nature Reserve
A nature reserve with a visitor village that floats on the lake - genuinely floats. Easy flat trails, hides, a good playground and free family crafts in the summer holidays.
Avenham & Miller Parks
Preston, Lancashire
Avenham and Miller are two separate Victorian parks that run into each other on the banks of the Ribble, ten minutes' walk from Preston station. Between them: a Japanese rock garden with a pond, a big sloping amphitheatre lawn built for rolling down, riverside paths, statues and fountains to hunt, and a children's play area sited between the two parks.
The Pavilion cafe sits by the river in Avenham Park and does drinks and cakes at fair prices, with public and disabled toilets nearby. There are car parks on South Meadow Lane and off East Cliff, both close to entrances. Everything is free. At Easter the park hosts its traditional egg rolling day, which is exactly as chaotic as it sounds.
The Guild Wheel cycle route starts here and the flat riverside stretch suits scooters and stabilisers. School holiday events, vintage fairs and outdoor theatre turn up through the year.
What it costs: Free. Car parks on South Meadow Lane (40 spaces) and off East Cliff (78 spaces).
Know before you go
- The playground sits between the two parks, so save it as the finale rather than opening with it.
- Easter egg rolling on the big slope is a proper Preston tradition - expect crowds on the day.
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