Kingsnorth Gardens

The moment you step into Kingsnorth Gardens near Folkestone, you're in proper walking territory - this is a nature reserve where the birds genuinely outnumber the visitors. It's the kind of place where you actually notice the quiet, which sounds daft until you're there and realise how rare that is. The reserve itself is unremarkable on the surface - marshland, scrub, a few paths threading through - but that's precisely what makes it work for serious birders and anyone after a genuine slice of Kent's natural landscape without the crowds.

Walking the trails takes about an hour to ninety minutes depending on how long you linger at the observation points. Spring and autumn are cracking times for migration, when you might spot rarities alongside the regulars. Summer's pleasant enough if you don't mind the insect life, and winter has its own appeal for those patient enough to wait for the occasional visiting wader.

It's not a destination that'll keep young children entertained for long - there's no playgrounds or facilities to speak of - so aim this at keen walkers and anyone with binoculars already unpacked. Families with older kids interested in nature will get more from it than those expecting manicured gardens.

You're well-positioned if you're camped at any of the nearby sites - Varne Ridge is just 2.8 miles away, Greenhill Glamping even closer in spirit. It slots neatly into a longer walking day around the Folkestone area rather than standing alone as your main event. Worth an afternoon, especially if the weather's kind.