Meadow Pond

A modest stretch of water just outside Rye, Meadow Pond is the sort of place you stumble upon rather than plan a trip around. It's a working nature reserve where reeds crowd the margins and birds - especially waders - make proper use of the shallow edges. You won't find facilities or marked paths, but that's rather the point. Bring binoculars if you're into birds; leave the noise at home if you want to see anything worth seeing.

This is genuinely good for birdwatchers and nature photographers who don't mind a bit of scrambling about. Kids will get bored after twenty minutes unless they're the type to sit still and watch for kingfishers - which, to be fair, do turn up here. The pond itself doesn't demand hours of your time; it's more of a diversion on a walk across the marshes near Rye than a destination in its own right.

If you're staying at Rye Harbour Holiday Park just down the road, it's worth a wander before breakfast. The light's better early anyway, and you'll likely have the place to yourself. Winter and spring are best for migrating species, though summer brings dragonflies and less crowded footpaths. Allow an hour at most unless you're genuinely committed to spotting something rare.

Nearest proper facilities are back in Rye itself - the town's got everything you need. Camber Sands and Herons Park are both close enough if you want a beach alongside your birdwatching.