Happy Valley Nature Reserve

Happy Valley Nature Reserve is a free-to-enter green space in Bramhall with a network of walking trails winding through woodland, past a brook, a stream, a pond and open grassland. It is open around the clock every day of the week, so you can visit whenever suits your family best.

The main path is solid tarmac, which makes it manageable with a pushchair, but the side trails are a different story after wet weather. Wellies are genuinely worth packing if there has been any recent rain, as the off-piste paths can get properly muddy. The stream is a big hit with dogs, and children tend to love it too.

It is a calm, quiet sort of place, good for spotting wildlife and letting little ones roam without too much structure. Dogs are very welcome and are often seen off the lead, so bear that in mind if your children are nervous around them.