Howard Park

A proper Suffolk nature reserve that punches above its weight for somewhere so close to Bury Saint Edmunds. Howard Park spreads across woodland and open ground where you'll spot everything from woodland birds to small mammals if you move quietly enough. The paths wind through mixed habitat - some dense tree cover, some more open areas - which keeps things interesting rather than monotonous.

It's genuinely excellent for families with older kids or anyone who actually wants to do some walking rather than just snap a photo and leave. You can easily lose an hour here without trying, longer if you're serious about spotting wildlife or sketching trees. Bring binoculars. Spring and early summer are when it truly comes alive, though winter has its own appeal if you don't mind the cold and wet.

The reserve works brilliantly as part of a wider park holiday - you could stay at West Stow Pods or Kings Forest Caravan & Camping Park (both within four miles) and use this as your morning walk before heading elsewhere. It's the sort of spot that rewards you for getting off the main tourist trail without demanding a two-hour drive to reach it. Not Instagram-famous, which is precisely why it's worth visiting.