Mickle Mere

Water reflects the flat Suffolk sky at Mickle Mere, a proper expanse of open water that feels almost Scandinavian in its emptiness. There's not much by way of fancy infrastructure here - no visitor centre, no cafe - just a body of water with reedy margins and the kind of silence you don't find near motorways. Birdwatchers gravitate here. Naturalists too. The walk around it takes a couple of hours without rushing, though you can knock it off in 45 minutes if you're just after fresh air and a stretch of the legs. It's the sort of place that rewards showing up with a decent pair of binoculars and low expectations about crowds. Winter mornings are best - you'll see ducks, possibly grebes if you're lucky, and the light across the water has that golden quality that makes the drive worthwhile. Summer brings midges, so worth knowing. Free to visit, naturally. If you're based at Bright Meadow Caravan Park or Arthur's Retreat, both within five miles, Mickle Mere slots in as a morning activity before heading into Bury Saint Edmunds proper for lunch. It won't blow your mind if you're not into water and wildlife, but if you want to see what East Anglia actually looks like away from the towns, this is it. Honest, unpretentious, and a genuine escape.