Whitley Nature Reserve

Whitley Nature Reserve is a peaceful woodland walk on the outskirts of Warrington, centred around a pretty lake in Higher Whitley. The circular route is roughly a mile long, well-maintained underfoot, and brings you back to where you started on Raddel Lane, making it easy to manage with little ones in tow.

The lake views are lovely and there is plenty of wildlife and birdlife to spot along the way, which keeps curious kids engaged. It is a quiet spot most of the time, though there is some road noise from nearby traffic. After wet weather the paths can get quite muddy, so wellies or sturdy boots are a good idea.

Worth knowing before you visit: there are no toilets or cafe on site, so come prepared with snacks and drinks. The lake has signs advising against swimming, and the water looks deep, so it is worth keeping a close eye on younger children near the water's edge.