Faversham Lakes Country Park

Two lakes surrounded by woodland and wetland - that's the core of it, and it works brilliantly if you're after a proper walk without the tourist crush. The site sits just outside Faversham itself, close enough that you won't spend half your holiday driving to get there. You'll find a network of paths threading between the water and trees, with decent viewing spots for spotting waterfowl and the occasional flash of colour from a kingfisher if you're lucky enough.

It's the sort of place that appeals to walkers more than spectacle-hunters. Families with young kids will manage an hour or so, but older children who can handle a couple of miles without complaining will get more from it. Birdwatchers actually make a pilgrimage here - bring binoculars and you'll understand why. The woodland sections offer shelter on drizzly days, which matters more than you'd think in Kent.

Access appears to be free, and there's no pressure to rush through. Allow a couple of hours if you're taking it slow and actually looking about. Combine it with time at one of the nearby holiday parks - Painters Farm is barely three miles away - and you've got a solid bit of outdoor exercise without leaving the area. The walks are manageable year-round, though winter brings fewer birds and autumn offers better light for photography. Not somewhere to race round, but worth the morning if you're properly into nature.