Holford Park

The walk around Holford Park, just outside Bridgwater, takes you through proper Somerset wetland - the sort of place where you'll actually spot things rather than just walk past prettified scenery. It's a nature reserve that doesn't require any special kit or preparation, which is refreshing. The paths wind through reed beds and open water, and if you're lucky with timing you'll see water birds, dragonflies in summer, and migrating waders if you catch it in spring or autumn.

This isn't a manicured park with benches every hundred metres. It's more hands-on than that. You need decent boots if there's been rain - the ground gets boggy - and you should allow a good hour minimum, longer if you've brought binoculars. Birdwatchers will get real value here; families with young kids might find it a bit samey after half an hour unless they're genuinely into spotting wildlife.

It works well as part of a wider Bridgwater area trip. If you're based at Mill Farm Caravan & Camping Park just down the road, you can do Holford as a morning walk before heading into town or exploring the wider Somerset levels. The admission details aren't easy to nail down online, but it's the sort of place that's typically either free or charges a couple of quid. Worth ringing ahead if you're making a special journey, but as an add-on to a park holiday in the area it's genuinely worth an hour of your time.