Langmere

Water this shallow and still tends to mirror the sky rather than reflect it, and Langmere delivers exactly that kind of meditative quality. It's a modest Norfolk lake east of Attleborough, fringed by reeds and the sort of vegetation that makes birdwatchers genuinely excited. The walk around it takes a comfortable hour, maybe ninety minutes if you linger, and the paths are reasonably well-trodden without being crowded.

This is walkers' territory more than families after a splash-about. The appeal lies in spotting whatever's nesting or passing through rather than in dramatic scenery. Early morning or dusk yields the best wildlife action, though honestly, you'll see something interesting whenever you visit. It's the kind of place where binoculars justify their weight.

Free access, as far as Norfolk's public lakes typically are. No facilities to speak of, so bring what you need. Best visited between spring and early autumn when the bird life justifies the trip. Winter's quieter, which some prefer.

If you're staying at Wild With Nature, the nearby holiday park, Langmere makes a straightforward morning outing before heading elsewhere. It won't occupy most of a day on its own, but it slots nicely into a broader Norfolk exploration. The surrounding countryside is genuinely quiet - proper off-the-beaten-track stuff - which is either the whole point or not your thing depending on what you're after.