Hollym Carrs Nature Reserve

The walk into Hollym Carrs is deceptively modest at first - you're following a dyke path through what looks like ordinary East Yorkshire flatland, but stay with it. This is a working nature reserve that local birders rate seriously, and for good reason. The carrs themselves are open water and reedbed, with a network of viewing areas that let you watch without disturbing whatever's nesting or feeding. Winter brings in wildfowl in proper numbers, but spring is genuinely spectacular if you know what to look for - warblers, grebes, the whole lot.

You won't find much signage or facilities here, which is part of its charm. This isn't a polished visitor attraction. Bring binoculars and a decent bird book if you're keen, or just come for the walk if you prefer your nature reserves without the gift shop. Allow a couple of hours to properly explore the main paths; the terrain is completely flat and mostly dry underfoot, even in wet weather.

It's ideal for serious birdwatchers staying at any of the holiday parks around Withernsea - Parkdean Resorts Withernsea Sands is closest at under three miles, or Little Otchan if you fancy glamping. Even without binoculars, families find the peace and space genuinely refreshing after a day on the coast. The reserve sits just inland from the holiday park cluster, so it's a natural morning outing before hitting Withernsea beach itself.