Boley Rd Reservoir

The water at Boley Rd Reservoir catches you off guard - flat and glassy when the light's right, reflecting the Norfolk sky like polished steel. It's a proper working reservoir, not some manicured visitor attraction, which is exactly what makes it worth the trip from Colchester.

This is birdwatcher territory, full stop. The reed beds and open water pull in waders, wildfowl, and if you're lucky, the occasional rarer visitor that gets the twitchers excited. You can walk the perimeter most of the way, though it's muddy after rain and the paths aren't always obvious. Allow 90 minutes minimum if you're serious about spotting things; an hour if you just fancy a quiet amble and some fresh air.

Families with young kids might find it a bit thin on obvious entertainment - there's no café, no visitor centre, no playground. But if your lot are into nature or you're a keen photographer, it's absolutely worth the detour. The light's best early morning or late afternoon when the water reflects properly and you've got more chance of seeing birds before they scatter.

The nearby Woodthorpes holiday park puts you within striking distance, making this an easy addition to a Suffolk break. It's free to visit and generally quiet, which beats fighting crowds at the honeypot reserves. Not Instagram gold, but real.