Nantwich, Cheshire
The River Weaver runs along the edge of Nantwich, and the town has made the most of it: a lake dug in the 1970s for flood control, now busy with mute swans, Canada geese, coots and an unreasonable number of ducks, joined to the town centre by flat riverside parkland. A kiosk at the lake does ice creams and snacks, and there is a play area just along the path.
Park free at the lake off Shrewbridge Road, do the lake circuit while everyone is keen, then follow the river towards town for the play area and, if legs allow, Welsh Row's black and white buildings and a proper coffee. The full circular loop is 5km via the Shropshire Union Canal, but nobody is checking. Bring bird food that is not bread.
Looking for more parks & outdoors near Nantwich?
The best age match of anything on this list. Reviewers put the sweet spot at 2 to 10 and say a 4-year-old can do essentially the whole park; the map colour-codes areas by age and puts mini zipwires beside the full-size ones. Budget four to six hours.
Romantic gardens around a turreted castle, with a play area down by the Mere, a natural play Den and a lakeside trail with a bird hide. Only open Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays and bank holidays, so check before setting off.
The famous ice cream farm on the A51 with 35-plus flavours made on site and a 50ft straw Paddington in the field. Be clear what it is: an ice cream stop with room to wander, not a day out, and it is very good at being exactly that.