Sack the digital nanny and head outdoors to the biggest and best outdoor play areas in Berkshire. Wellington Country Park – sandwiched in between Reading and Basingstoke – was opened in 1974 by the eighth Duke and Duchess of Wellington to give families 350 glorious acres of fresh air and freedom, and it just happens to be a Muddy Award-winning family attraction to boot.

Release the children and enjoy five minutes’ peace: there’s a swashbuckling pirates ship, the HMS Duke of Wellington, for your kids to explore and clamber, plus one of the best adventure play areas. Little ones have their own play zone with sand pits, water play and diggers. Hop on board the miniature railway (£1 extra), swing by the animal farm and petting barn (seasonal), there’s also welly wheels for young drivers (suitable for ages 4-10, £3 extra), splash zone, jumping pillow, 12 holes of mini golf and dinosaurs roaming (ok not roaming) the grounds.

Wellington Country Park also puts on loads of events too, so keep your eyes peeled for Pirates and Mermaids Weekend, Bouncy Castles in the Park, Unicorns, Fairies and Pixies, Easter bunny fun, a spooktacular Halloween, open air cinema and more.

Within the woodland, there are four nature trails to follow. One allows you to get up close and personal to the resident herd of Red and Fallow deer. There’s also cafe to feed your hungry hoard if you couldn’t face making 10 rounds of sarnies.

If you’re looking for a place to unplug, and reconnect as a family, come here. Grown ups can sit back and watch the fun unfold while their tribe let off steam. We guarantee you will not hear anyone utter the words ‘I’m bored’.

Note: dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead, under control and owners must clear up after them! And if you’re having so much fun you don’t want to leave, you can camp onsite. Although you’ll have to be a bit organised and bring a tent. Obviously.