Grays Town Park

The marshlands around Grays Town Park feel properly raw - not the manicured kind of green space you'd find near London, but something genuinely wild. You're walking through Essex wetland where the air tastes of salt and mud, and you might spot herons standing absolutely still in the shallows, waiting for fish that never seem to come.

It's a nature reserve first and foremost, so don't expect swings or a café. What you get instead are footpaths that wind through habitat important for breeding birds and overwintering species. The best time to visit is autumn through early spring when the migrating birds turn up - grab binoculars if you're serious about spotting anything worth mentioning. Summer's too hot and the insect population gets a bit much.

Walkers and birdwatchers will absolutely rate this. Kids might find it a touch dull after half an hour unless they're the type who actually care about wildlife. The paths are flat and easy enough, though muddy after rain - proper waterproof boots aren't optional here.

Tilbury's just down the road, so it works well as a morning walk before heading somewhere with more amenities. If you're staying at Thamesview Camping nearby, this is genuinely worth the short drive to clear your head. You're looking at ninety minutes maximum, including a slow mooch around. Free to access and no faffing about with opening times - just turn up. The reserve rewards patience more than rushing.