Hayling's Pond

Small but perfectly formed, this woodland pond sits quietly in Suffolk countryside just outside Leiston. I'll be honest - it's not going to change your life, but it's one of those lovely spots that makes a proper peaceful interlude on a walk. The water reflects the surrounding trees beautifully, creating those classic mirror images that photographers love.

Families with young children will find it ideal for pond dipping and nature spotting. We saw moorhens and various ducks during our visit, plus the usual suspects of dragonflies and pond skaters. The kids were fascinated for a good half hour, which is more than you can say for some grander attractions.

There's no formal car park or facilities, so you'll need to find roadside parking nearby. Allow about 30 minutes unless you're planning serious wildlife watching. It's free, naturally, and accessible year-round though spring and summer offer the best wildlife activity.

For families staying at nearby holiday parks like Cakes & Ale or Beach View, it makes a nice addition to coastal days out. The pond works well as part of a longer countryside walk or as a quick stop between Leiston and the Suffolk coast. Nothing spectacular, but sometimes that's exactly what you need.