Fen Drayton Lakes Nature Reserve

The moment you arrive at Fen Drayton Lakes, you're struck by how much water there is. Four lakes spread across the reserve like someone spilled them deliberately, each one ringed with reeds and alive with birds. It's only a few miles east of Huntingdon, making it a proper no-fuss stop if you're based at Long Island Lake or Huntingdon Boathaven.

You can walk the perimeter paths, which take you past hides and viewing areas where you'll spot grebes, herons, and if you're lucky, water voles slipping between the vegetation. It's not dramatic or mountainous - this is fenland, so expect flat horizons and big skies. The trails are easy enough for families with younger kids, though they'll probably get bored after an hour unless they're genuinely into birdwatching.

Bring binoculars. Seriously. Without them you're just looking at water. With them, you'll see the actual reason people come here. Spring and autumn are best for migrants - warblers and other passing species make it worth timing your visit right. Winter's decent too if you want to spot wintering wildfowl.

Admission details are thin on the ground online, but it's managed by the Wildlife Trust, so expect either free access or a small donation. The walk itself takes two to three hours if you do the full circuit, though you can do shorter loops. Park up, grab the path map if there is one, and settle in. It's low-key and works brilliantly as a break between lazy caravan days.