Parks—ten hidden gems

And it's not just beautiful flowers and green spaces that our parks offer—many have hidden treasures, like these ten favourite parks...

Abingdon, Oxfordshire—Abbey Meadows

It's not just the beautiful Thameside location and wide range of facilities (including outdoor pool, kids' splash area, crazy golf and its own canal lock) that makes this park special. It also boasts ruins, built on the foundations of an ancient monastery.

Bradford, West Yorkshire—Lister Park

This award-winning park in the centre of town has no fewer than nine fountains in the Maghul water gardens.

Buxton, Derbyshire—Pavillion Gardens

A ?4.5 million Heritage Grant has been used to restore this beautiful Victorian park, which boasts walkways, gardens, pavillions and play areas. It also has a miniature train which runs throughout the summer season.

Cardiff, Wales—Bute Park

As well as stunning views of the Millenium Stadium and Cardiff Castle, there's a miniature Stonehenge in the centre of this pretty park.

Coventry, Warwickshre—Canal Art Trail

Not a conventional urban park, but a beautiful canalside trail. With over five miles of contemporary art, it's the UK's largest waterside art gallery.

Exeter, Devon—Rougemont Gardens

This historic city centre park still boasts the bank and ditches of William the Conqueror's castle.

Glasgow—Tollcross Park

Take up the challenge and see whether you can find the Secret Sensory Garden in this park. With no signposts or directional aids, this is a real hidden treasure.

Liverpool, Merseyside—Sefton Park

One of the main attractions of this famous park are the caves. Tucked away so that even some of the locals don't know about them, this cave grotto is the perfect place for exploring, relaxing or just getting away from the crowds.

London—Crystal Palace

If you take a stroll through the southern part of Crystal Palace park, be prepared for a big surprise. Home to the world's first "Jurassic Park", the Crystal Palace dinosaurs caused quite a stir when they were first unveiled to the public in 1854. More than 150 years on, they are still very much worth a visit.

Norwich—Plantation Gardens

This restored Victorian town garden is just a stone's throw from the city centre. As well as a medieval wall, the park has a huge Gothic fountain and rustic bridge tucked away among its woodland walkways.