周辺の湖・トップ4

A great day out, take a picnic and the kids

If you're not afraid of heights then go for a walk in the trees

A great view shame about the bird do do

Brandon Wood is a 178 acre forestryb situated about 6km east of Coventry. The woods feature a wide variety of flora including over 330 plant species and more than 50 species of tree, that provide habitat for a beautiful array of wildlife including Muntjac deer, buzzard, sparrowhawk, kestrel and great spotted woodpeckers.

Great place for views of Coombe Abbey and the lake with bird life.

Come early to avoid the crowds walking round most of the day, which can be tricky to navigate. Car park is open 7am-8pm - unsurprisingly, it is much quieter outside these times! When the car park gate is closed, the site is still accessible by bicycle via the pavement gate at the main entrance, or via the paths in from Coventry Road (Halfpenny Lane), or from Thurlaston or Draycote villages. Herons, woodpeckers and all sorts of other wildlife to see if you're there early! But do watch out for suicidal bunnies dashing across the path ...

Coombe Abbey Park is a country park that was developed from the grounds of a Cistercian abbey. The 500 acres (202 ha) of garden, woodland and lakeside were designed by Capability Brown, hailed as England's greatest gardener, in the 18th century. The park includes a Site of Special Scientific Interest and has been awarded Green Flag status.

This 26-acre (10.5 ha) nature reserve boasts a water-filled quarry surrounded by woodland trails. A number of viewing platforms allow you to get closer to the wildlife on display here. Birdlife includes great crested grebes, swans, moorhens and various species of duck, whilst pike and perch fish swim beneath the water's surface. The endangered white-clawed crayfish also inhabits the lake.