Andrew's Field

The Avon's many locks and weirs mean the flow is gentle enough for paddleboarding, so either bring your own or hire one out at Pershore Riverside Centre (15 minutes' drive). While in Pershore, check out the ancient abbey, or grab a show (or a slice of cake) at Number 8, an independent cinema, arts centre and café. Wangle yourself a day or two to experience some of the English wine that's made in the fertile local countryside. Prep your palates for some crisp and fruity flavours at Lovells Vineyard (25 minutes), a family-run vineyard at the foot of the Malvern Hills that organises tours and splendid cellar-door sales. Kids who have patiently sat through wine-making demos without getting a chance to slurp the results can be rewarded with a trip to Newbridge Farm Park (40 minutes), where bumpy tractor rides and cute farm critters make for rip-roaring rural jaunts. There's also All Things Wild (30 minutes), a zoo where you can walk with loveable lemurs and wallabies.