Lakeside Beach

The walk down to Lakeside Beach from the car park takes you through proper Suffolk woodland before suddenly opening onto a stretch of water that feels far more remote than it has any right to be, just east of Bury. It's a nature reserve, so the appeal is straightforward: open water, reed beds, and if you time it right, decent birdwatching. Bring binoculars and patience. The lake itself is calm and reflective, ringed with vegetation that changes character through the seasons. Summer is busy-ish with families and dog walkers, but come autumn or winter and you'll have the place almost to yourself.

For serious birders this is genuinely worth planning a day around. For everyone else, it's a pleasant walk that takes maybe an hour there and back, depending on how long you linger. The lakeside paths are well maintained but can get boggy after rain - proper waterproof boots aren't optional. Kids will get restless if you're expecting them to stand and observe for hours, but they'll enjoy the space to run about and throwing stones (gently) near the water.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Willow Grove Farm Glamping or Kings Forest Caravan & Camping Park are both within five or six miles - this makes a decent morning stop rather than a full day out. It's free, which helps. Go early, especially in spring when the birds are nesting. The reserve is quieter then, and you've got better light for photography.