Wigan, Greater Manchester
Wigan's big woodland estate stacks free and paid neatly: the woods, lawns and playgrounds cost nothing, while the miniature railway, high ropes and crazy golf sit there as optional upgrades.
It is genuinely possible to have a full free afternoon here and spend only the parking fee - or to turn it into a mini adventure park day. Both versions work.
Looking for more parks & outdoors near Wigan?
Three colliery spoil heaps turned into a proper nature reserve: a lake with swans and kingfishers, 3km of flat pram-friendly paths, a playground and a woodland trail with a xylophone in it. Free parking, free everything.
Wigan's grand Victorian park after a £6.1m restoration: playground, bandstand, waterfall, formal gardens and an ornate iron pavilion with a Frederick's ice cream cafe inside. Free and right on the edge of the town centre.