Leathes Ham

There's a reason locals near Lowestoft keep quiet about Leathes Ham - it's one of those water spots that doesn't shout about itself. You'll find a proper freshwater lake that sits unexpectedly peaceful given how close it is to the coast, and the walking around it is genuinely good without being strenuous. The shoreline is reedy in places, open in others, and it's the kind of place where you actually see wildlife rather than just hoping you might.

It works brilliantly if you're staying at Pakefield Holiday Park or The Hollies - both are within spitting distance - and you want a break from beach days. Birdwatchers will spend hours here; the lake draws migrating species depending on season, which makes a difference to what's actually worth photographing. Families with young children might find it a bit limited if they're expecting facilities or a visitor centre - it's more of a walk-round-and-watch sort of place than somewhere you'd spend a whole day.

Timing matters. Early morning or late afternoon gives you the best light and the most chance of seeing something interesting. Winter brings different birds entirely, so don't assume it's a summer-only visit. The walk itself takes twenty minutes to half an hour depending on pace and how often you stop. No admission charge that I could find, no café, so bring a flask if you're planning to linger. If you're based at Parkdean Resorts Kessingland Beach down the coast, it's worth the short drive for a different kind of Suffolk outing - less touristy, more genuine.