Laundress Green

A strip of wetland and grassland tucked right on Cambridge's eastern edge, Laundress Green is the sort of place locals know and visitors often miss. The reserve sits between the Cam and built-up suburbs, which sounds unpromising until you actually walk it and realise you're surrounded by water meadows, reed beds, and proper wildlife habitat.

You'll spot water voles if you're quiet and lucky, along with reed warblers in summer and the usual cast of dabbling ducks. The paths are flat and manageable - no scrambling required - making it decent for families who want a nature hit without leaving the city. Older kids who are into birds or spotting insects will find it genuinely interesting rather than just "a walk". Most people allow an hour, though you can stretch it to two if you're methodical with binoculars.

The appeal here is simple: it's free, it's five minutes from Cambridge town centre, and it offers a real contrast to punting and college gardens. If you're based at one of the caravan sites - Cambridge Camping and Caravanning Club Site is only 2.5 miles away - you can slip out for an evening stroll without faffing about. Spring and early summer are best when the bird activity picks up. Winter's quieter but can feel atmospheric if you like that moody fen landscape.

Truth is, Laundress Green won't blow your mind with drama or scale. But it's a proper slice of East Anglian habitat, and if you're doing a park holiday in the area, it's worth the detour.