Blunham Playing Fields

The fields around Blunham, just east of Sandy, are proper flat Cambridgeshire countryside - the kind of open space where you can actually see the sky without trees getting in the way. It's a nature reserve that rewards patience more than instant gratification. Bring binoculars if you're into birds, because that's where the interest lies. Waders in winter, breeding birds come spring. The walking is easy on mostly level ground, which suits families with younger kids or anyone after a gentle ramble without the huffing and puffing.

This isn't a destination on its own - you won't spend hours here. An hour's walk, maybe ninety minutes if you dawdle and look properly. It works best as part of a day that includes Sandy itself or as a morning stroll if you're staying at Cambridgeshire Lakes or the St Neots Camping and Caravanning Club Site nearby, both cracking spots for a week away. The fields are free to access and open year-round, though spring and autumn tend to be better for spotting migrants.

Historically-minded types won't find much to grab onto - it's about nature, not narrative. But if you're birdwatching keen or just want a quiet walk without the crowds, it delivers. The flatness means you can't get lost, and there's something oddly meditative about Cambridgeshire's emptiness once you stop expecting drama. Bring good boots though - it gets boggy.