Longton Brickcroft Nature Reserve

The Brickcroft is a former clay extraction site that's been left to do what nature does best - take over. What you get now is a proper working wetland, all reed beds and open water, the kind of place where you'll actually spot things rather than just walk past scenery. Dragonflies in summer, water birds year-round, occasional herons if you're lucky and patient.

It's free to visit and takes about an hour to potter round properly, longer if you're into bird watching or photography. The reserve sits just outside Walmer Bridge in Lancashire, so it's an easy detour if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Donkey Creek Farm is barely three miles away. Don't expect manicured paths or visitor facilities. This is a working nature reserve, not a tourist attraction dressed up as one.

Birders will have the best time here, genuinely. The wetland habitat pulls in decent variety throughout the year. Families with kids might find it a bit quiet and low-key - there's no playground drama, just observation and the occasional splash. The paths can be boggy after rain, so proper footwear matters.

Worth the walk if you're in the area and fancy an hour away from the caravan. Don't drive out of your way specially for it, but if you're based at Ribby Hall Village or one of the other parks nearby, it's a lovely morning's gentle exercise. Best visited early when the birds are active and the light's decent for photography.