Longmarsh

The Exe estuary south of Totnes holds some of Devon's best birdwatching, and Longmarsh is where serious twitchers come to prove it. This nature reserve sits on saltmarsh and mudflat - the sort of landscape that looks flat and dull until you actually spot a spoonbill or a curlew working the shallows. I spent a morning here with binoculars and a notebook, and honestly, it's brilliant if you know what you're looking for. Less brilliant if you just want a pleasant walk.

The reserve works best between autumn and spring when migratory birds flood in from the Arctic. Summer is quieter, though you'll still see herons and the occasional egret. Bring proper waterproofs - the paths get boggy - and good binoculars. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of, so come prepared. Allow two to three hours if you're serious about identifying birds; half an hour if you're just passing through.

Families with young kids might find it underwhelming unless they're already into wildlife. But keen walkers and bird enthusiasts will rate it highly. It's the sort of place where patience pays off - stand still for twenty minutes and things reveal themselves.

Longmarsh works well alongside a stay at nearby Ashbourne Woods, a top-rated holiday park just five miles away. Use Totnes as your base for supplies and exploration, then slip out to the estuary early morning when the light's best and the birds are active.