Jubilee Fields

The wet grassland and shallow pools at Jubilee Fields spread across the landscape just outside Doncaster like something left behind by a generous tide. It's a working nature reserve, not a manicured garden, which means you'll get proper birding territory rather than a prettified walk.

What you're really here for is the birdlife. Lapwings, redshank, snipe - they use these marshy bits as breeding grounds in spring, and in winter the visiting wildfowl arrive in decent numbers. Bring binoculars and patience. The paths wind through the reserve, and on a quiet morning when the light's right and the birds are active, you'll understand why people make the trip from Doncaster town centre.

This appeals to serious birdwatchers and families with older kids who can handle a slower pace. Young children might get restless unless there's something moving. Allow a couple of hours if you're doing it properly, longer if you're trying to clock a species list.

It pairs well with a base at Mooreacres, less than two miles away - you could pop over for a morning's observation without much fuss. Between Rivers Camping is a bit further out but still reasonable for a day trip. Neither location locks you into Jubilee Fields though; both parks work as springboards for exploring the Don Valley's other green spaces.

Bring waterproof boots. The ground gets sodden, especially after rain.