Fen Drayton Recreation Ground

The lakes at Fen Drayton pull in serious birdwatchers, but honestly, you don't need binoculars round your neck to enjoy it. This former gravel pit's been left to do what nature does best - and what you get is proper wetland habitat with observation hides dotted around the perimeter. Great crested grebes, gadwall, the occasional kingfisher if you're lucky and patient.

It's a decent walk from Huntingdon, flat and unremarkable until you round the corner and suddenly there's water and reeds and actual quiet. Allow a couple of hours minimum if you're genuinely looking for birds. Less if you've got restless kids - they'll manage about forty minutes of "why aren't we seeing anything yet?" before wanting to leave.

The hides are basic but functional, and there's no cafe or facilities to speak of, so bring what you need. Free to visit, which is a bonus. Spring migration is the real draw - March through May and again in autumn - though there's always something about if you know what you're looking at.

If you're staying at Long Island Lake just down the road, you could do worse than a morning here between swims. It's not going to be the highlight of a week away, but as an add-on to a park holiday in the area, it ticks the box for getting out and actually seeing something wild rather than just mowing round a campsite.