When the Queensway Tunnel was dug beneath the river, the subsequent rubbish pulled from the ground…read morewas dumped and landscaped into what is now Otterspool Prom. Here you can do everything there is to possibly do on a riverside promenade; things such as walk, ride a bike, look at the water and...um...well that's about it. I suppose you could rollerblade if you wanted. If it's a warm day and you don't mind the style your hair will be sculpted into by the blustering gales, you can follow the prom and its interconnecting paths right up to the Pier Head. If you don't fancy that, try and unearth the ruins of the 1984 Garden Festival, which lies hidden by tree trunks and weeds. You don't know how overtly creepy something is until you accidentally stumble across a kid's overgrown swing park. I still have nightmares.

What a spectacular view. Did you ever see such a coastline? Especially when the waves are choppy…read moreand the wind blustery. I absolutely love the promenade; walking along beside the river with the breathtaking view of the Welsh hills in the background is really relaxing, there's lots of cyclists and dog-walkers around and it's a lovely environment on a clear sunny day. The park which was renovated through the 'Pride in our Proms' project is Amazing. It's a mini world of Big Kid heaven... for me anyway I regressed about 10 years and was on the swings, seesaw and monkey bars, and when we'd totally worn ourselves out running around and taking cool scenic pictures of the sunset we went for a well earned pint from the Otterspool pub which is handily a hop skip and a cartwheel across the park. Go fly a kite, see the sights, play on the park and grab a pint!

i always visit the park every sunday , i carnt belive its actualy free its like something you see…read moreand think you would have to pay a entrance free , a massive pond for fishing , park for the children , sand pit , slides and swings. i usualy go fishing on the pond with a reasonable price to fish , lovely people and litter free!

I love Hanley Park! I walk through it when I'm working in Stoke on Trent and I am always really…read moreimpressed at how well cared for it is and the awesome playground equipment for children of all ages. It's got a lovely combination of tended floral areas and more natural grass/trees.

I'm doing it again; I must get to the water. I am a Gremlin. I need to multiply and water is my…read moresavour. In that case I could do a lot worse than Hemsworth Water Park and Play World. Now this badger has two lakes; the largest lake is available for pedalo rides and has sandy beaches; the smallest lake is in a more secluded area to attract wildlife. It's perfect if you want to do a Freddie Flintoff and fool around for a while. It's also ideal to see some great things of interest in this beautiful world we have around us. I'm going all John Lennon on you now. You've also got loads of grassed areas and picnics are no problem either (except the fact it's always freezing and wet in England). Then throw in the Play World bit. This is where I need to fall back and remind myself that I'm not a child any more. For "real" kids though it's got with a tower slide, climbing frames, a toddler's sandpit area and a miniature railway. Toot toot. Once again I've found you a corking day out with a difference but do check what is open if you go before the Easter holidays. You have been warned.

I find myself in something of a quandary. I value the provision of these islands of nature greatly…read moreand will always defend them from the encroaching urban sprawl but I find that I cannot get very excited about Hemsworth Water Park, Nice enough lakes and the ducks were very duck-like, the grass was probably just as green as any other park and the children's play area as clean and well maintained as the best of them but the other play area which is rather grandly called Playworld was locked up thereby saving us a few quid for an experience we could get for free in any half decent public park. I left with the feeling that I had wasted fuel driving to Hemsworth as there are better parks much nearer to where I live.

This park around the mere is beautiful surroundings to enjoy a stroll for the casual walker but due…read moreto it being on a mere, for those who are more adventurous, watersports such as kayaking/canoeing/windsurfing are available at a price for anyone who turns up. The actual park itself is good to walk around with large grassy areas for barbeques and a lie down. However, the popularity for dog-walkers means the obvious fouling problem in some areas and it can sometimes be overrun with kids drinking. However for a late night stroll, definitely recommended.

The Churnet Valley , its woods , cliffs and railway walk centered on the village of Alton is a…read moregreat place for a non strenuous day in the fresh air . Numerous pubs and tea rooms for those that need refreshment . The peace here is sometimes disturbed by the screams if folks on the rollercoasters at Alton Towers . And don't forget to lake a short diversion to see the chained oak where the witchs head was chopped off :)

Dimmingsdale is situated between Oakamoor and Alton Towers in a delightful valley along the River…read moreChurnet. This is a gorgeous place to go for a walk in the spring and summer, and truly stunning during the autumn months. The walk is about 4 miles long, but can be shortened by crossing the river, and walking back on the other side, for a different view. Dimmingsdale is highly recommended for anyone wanting to impress a girl with their romantic side, families with kids, people with dogs and obviously anyone who likes woodland walks. To round the walk of and turn it into an experience, have a pot of tea and some mouthwatering cake at the Ramblers Retreat.

Marbury Park is a lovely green space in Northwich. The park has a play area for the kids, lots of…read morepicnic tables and a café. There are a few walking trails around the park that take you through the fields, woods and along the canal. The park used to have a hall but unfortunately that was knocked down in the 1960s. Definitely a place to visit on a nice sunny day.

Nice little park near to Comberbach. There is a small fee for parking but its not much can't…read moreremember off hand. We usually go in the summer and there is always an ice cream van in the car park. There are a number of different ways you can walk and there is an outdoor swimming pool but you have to be a member to enter. there is also a small play area with a climbing frame. Park is used by a lot of people walking their dogs. There are a few animals as well as wild rabbits.

Deep Hayes Country Park is a natural gem. This area has a visitors centre, acres of open space for…read morekids to run around and dogs to exercise, stepping stones over the water, bird hides and is a real delight to all visitors. Make sure you wear your walking boots or wellies when visiting even on nice days, as there are places covered by trees that never seem to dry out, no matter how hot the weather. If your dog is frightened of the stepping stones, there are alternative routes across the water, but kids usually love it! Bring some water and possibly a snack, as the visitors centre (with sweets, ice creams, drinks, etc) has restricted opening hours.

A little know gem of Warrington with bucket loads of history attached. It's got 2 main areas, open…read moregrass land and the willow marshes. Great dog walking area.

This is a wonderful, natural environment. Excellent for those who like to walk away from all the…read moretraffic and noise, but still be in contact with civilisation. It can be accessed from Farrell Street or Manchester Road (via Peacock Avenue) and has some pathways laid out, suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. Once again, it is often necessary to watch out for bicyclists, but most are very courteous here. The odd kids on stolen and/or illegal motorcycles are not. Contrary to popular knowledge of the law, these are not legal on what used to be called common land and still need a license, tax and insurance - none of which they have. Rant over! Just off the laid paths is a quite large area which is the actual twiggery - water and marshland completely enclosed in shrubbery which is more akin to jungle than parkland. The authorities have had built raised, wooden walkways throughout this area without destroying the natural aspects - it is possible to see all manner of animal and birdlife if one is quiet enough. I have watched heron fishing in the pond near the entrance as well as kingfishers and wagtails. On St George's Day, we usually manage to pick enough dandelions for the next year's dandelion wine - more than two gallons some years.