Maidscross Hill Nature Reserve

The walk up Maidscross Hill near Brandon is a proper workout, but you're rewarded with views across the Breckland that stretch for miles. It's a modest Suffolk summit - nothing dramatic, but on a clear day you can see right across the heathland and forestry that makes this part of East Anglia feel genuinely remote.

The nature reserve itself is managed land, chalk grassland and scrubby bits where you'll spot chalk-loving wildflowers in spring and summer. Orchids do well here if you know when to look. It's the sort of place you go if you're into plants and birds rather than dramatic vistas - walkers and naturalists will spend a happy hour or two, while younger kids might find it a bit thin on obvious attractions.

There's no visitor centre or facilities that I'm aware of, so bring water and proper shoes. The terrain is uneven and can be muddy in wet weather. Allow an hour for the walk itself, longer if you're birdwatching or stopping to photograph wildflowers.

It works well as a half-morning excursion if you're based at Willow Grove Farm Glamping nearby - close enough for a quick outing without eating your whole day. Combine it with a walk through the Breckland pines and you've got a solid morning. Worth the detour if you're into natural history; skip it if you're after Instagram moments.