Marton Mere Local Nature Reserve

The mere itself is what draws you in - a proper freshwater lake ringed by woodland and reed beds, just a short walk from Blackpool's seafront madness. You get birdwatchers, families after a quieter afternoon, and anyone who's had enough of the amusement arcades. The reserve is free to access, and you can spend anywhere from an hour pottering about to a full morning if you're serious about spotting something rare.

What you actually do here is walk. There are paths around the water's edge, and depending on the season you might clock grebes, herons, or if you're lucky, a marsh harrier cutting across the reeds. It's not dramatic - there are no dramatic views or facilities to speak of - but that's rather the point. After the sticky-floored chaos of Blackpool proper, this is genuinely restorative.

Staying at Haven Marton Mere Holiday Village puts you right on the doorstep, which is convenient if you've got restless kids who need a break from the promenade. The reserve works well as a morning outing before heading back to the park for lunch. It's the sort of place that rewards you for getting out of the car - nothing earth-shattering, but solid Lancashire nature reserve stuff. Go when it's not raining if you can; the paths get muddy and the birds don't hang about in heavy downpours.