Haysden Water

You'll find Haysden Water just outside Tunbridge Wells, a proper lake that draws walkers and nature spotters in equal measure. It's a working water supply reservoir, so don't expect theme park energy, but the appeal is genuine - a wide, reflective stretch of water with decent woodland backing and paths that loop around without becoming a slog.

The walk itself takes anything from 45 minutes to two hours depending on whether you faff about with binoculars or push straight through. It's flat, mostly, which means parents with younger kids won't face a mutiny halfway round. Birdwatchers genuinely rate it. In spring and autumn the migratory traffic picks up, though honestly, if you're not obsessed with spotting a lesser spotted whatnot, the appeal flattens a bit - it's pleasant rather than spectacular.

Free to access as far as I can tell, though facilities are minimal. Bring a packed lunch if you're making a day of it. Winter can be properly moody here, all grey water and bare branches, which some find atmospheric and others find a bit bleak.

It slots well into a caravan holiday around Tunbridge Wells - Apple Acres and Glamping at Honnington Farm are both within striking distance, so you could combine it with a market town wander without faffing about with transport. Worth an afternoon if you're in the area and fancy a break from busier attractions, but I wouldn't drive across the county specifically for it.