Lorton Meadows Nature Reserve

The meadows here are proper wetland - reeds, open water, and the kind of place where you'll actually spot something if you keep quiet long enough. It's a working nature reserve rather than a manicured park, which means it feels genuine. You get decent views across the marshland, and if you're into birds, this is where you'll want your binoculars. The walking's straightforward enough, nothing too demanding, though it can get boggy depending on the season.

Walkers and birdwatchers will get the most from Lorton Meadows. Families with restless younger kids might find an hour sufficient before they start asking when you're going home. The reserve works particularly well if you're camping at one of the nearby sites - Higher Moor Farm, Buckland, or the Haven parks at Weymouth Bay and Littlesea are all within a few miles. It's the sort of place that slots in nicely between beach days and other activities rather than being a whole afternoon in itself.

The practical bit: I'd suggest checking ahead for access details and conditions, especially if it's been wet. Early morning tends to be best for wildlife spotting. Littlemoor's your nearest reference point if you're finding your way around the area. It's not flashy, and it won't blow your mind, but it's the real thing - unglamorous, working conservation that actually matters.