Alton Water Sports Centre

The sprawl of Alton Water opens up suddenly as you drive east from Ipswich, and it's genuinely impressive for somewhere tucked into rural Suffolk. This is a working reservoir turned leisure destination, with a proper activities hub that takes up a decent slice of the shoreline. Sailing and windsurfing dominate the water itself, but there's also kayaking, fishing, and casual walks around the perimeter if you're not the type to strap yourself to a board.

It works brilliantly for families staying at nearby parks like Suffolk Steel House or Priory Park. The Sports Centre does day visits and lessons, so you're not locked out if you don't own kit. The café is honest rather than fancy, and you can easily lose three or four hours here without feeling rushed. Weekdays are far better than weekends if you want space - I went mid-week in April and had the walking path nearly to myself.

Not everyone will crack the water activities code, mind you. If your crew are pure loungers, they might get restless after the initial novelty of the view wears off. But if you've got kids who'll have a go at paddleboarding or teenagers who fancy learning to windsurf, or even just a partner who walks while you fish, it's a worthwhile detour. The water itself is lovely - proper East Anglian quiet rather than dramatic, but that's rather the point.