Hobson Square

The Square at Hobson's isn't actually a square at all - it's a 70-acre wetland nature reserve just outside Cambridge where the old waterworks once stood. The walking paths wind through reed beds and open water, and you'll spot great crested grebes, herons, and on a good day, the occasional kingfisher skimming low across the surface. The main loop takes about an hour at a steady pace, though you can cut it short if the mood takes you.

It's the sort of place where serious birdwatchers come with notebooks and binoculars, but families won't feel out of place either - there's something oddly compelling about watching the water and waiting to see what emerges from the reeds. The hides give decent cover if you're patient, though in summer the mosquitoes can be fierce. Spring and autumn bring the most migratory birds through, making those seasons genuinely worthwhile visits.

The reserve is free to access and you can turn up whenever you like. From Cambridge it's a straightforward drive or bike ride east - far enough to feel properly separated from the city, close enough that it works as a half-day outing. If you're staying at Shepreth Mill Caravan & Camping Holiday Park nearby, this pairs well with a morning stroll around the fens before heading back for lunch. Don't expect manicured gardens or visitor facilities - it's genuine habitat with minimal infrastructure, which is precisely what makes it worth the journey.