Baffins Pond

The water here is deceptively still. Baffins Pond sits just inland from Hayling Island, a shallow freshwater lake that draws birdwatchers and nature photographers in proper numbers, especially during migration season. It's the kind of place where you'll spot winter wildfowl - shovelers, pintails, the occasional rarer visitor if you're lucky and patient.

There's a walking circuit round the perimeter, nothing strenuous, maybe forty minutes if you dawdle and actually look at things. Reedy margins, open water, patches of rough grassland - it reads like a textbook wetland habitat, and that's because it is one. The viewing points are decent enough, though you'll want binoculars to make proper sense of what's on the water rather than just seeing dark shapes.

This works best for serious birdwatchers and photographers rather than families after a quick outing. Kids will struggle with the "standing very still and being quiet" part of the experience. Winter and early spring are when the reserve really justifies the trip - summer can feel a bit thin for visitors expecting something visual and dramatic.

If you're based at Hayling Island Holiday Park or Mill Rythe Coastal Village, it's close enough for a morning excursion before heading to the beach. Fishery Creek Touring Park users have an easy run to it as well. Admission appears to be free, which at least means you're not out of pocket if the light's poor or the birds aren't cooperating.