Knettishall Heath Nature Reserve

The heath opens up suddenly as you push through the woodland - a vast sweep of gorse and heather that feels properly wild for Norfolk borderland. Knettishall Heath Nature Reserve sits just outside Diss and it's the kind of place that rewards getting your boots muddy rather than sticking to the main paths.

You're looking at lowland heath habitat, which means open ground carpeted in ling and bell heather, dotted with Scots pines that have colonised the landscape over decades. In summer it's purple and golden. In winter it's bleaker but somehow more impressive. The reserve attracts nightjars and woodlarks - serious birdwatchers come here specifically for those - but honestly the casual walker will just enjoy the space and the lack of crowds.

There are proper trails crisscrossing the reserve, some sandy underfoot, others through wooded sections. Allow a couple of hours if you're taking it slowly. The main car park's on the western side and it's free, which is always welcome. Best time to visit is May through July if you want to see the heathland in flower, though spring brings migrating birds that get the twitchers excited.

If you're based at Arthur's Retreat Suffolk Motorhome Campsite just down the road, this makes an excellent morning or afternoon walk without needing to drive far. The reserve works well as part of a wider Diss area exploration rather than a all-day destination on its own, but it's genuinely good for stretching legs and getting some proper nature time.