The Reserve

The secluded woodlands that surround this site are a world away from the Dunstable Downs (15 minutes' drive), a windswept clutch of hills at the tail end of the Chilterns. This is the highest point in Bedfordshire, and as such a splendid spot for flying a kite (weather permitting, you may well see gliders zooming overhead as well). There are miles of footpaths around this area – if you're not sure where to roam first, kick things off with a visit to the helpful folk at the Chilterns Gateway Centre (15 minutes). Whipsnade Zoo (15 minutes) is another real must-see: this 600-acre park is home to over 3,000 animals, with highlights including a butterfly house, sea lion pool and a herd of Asian elephants. Its sister institution, London Zoo, is about an hour away by road if you fancy even more animal action. Travelling with small ones in tow? The Reserve is also about half an hour's drive from Milton Keynes, a city renowned for family-friendly attractions like Bletchley Park, Gulliver's Land Theme Park, Snozone indoor ski slope and Big Rock Hub, a mega-sized climbing and bouldering centre.