Milton Country Park

Just outside Cambridge, Milton Country Park spreads across former gravel workings that have been transformed into something genuinely worth an afternoon. The lakes here are the main draw - they're proper scenic, reflecting the sky and lined with enough walking paths to keep you occupied for a couple of hours without feeling rushed.

It's ideal for families with younger children who want a straightforward walk without climbing hills. The water itself attracts birdwatchers, especially during migration seasons, so bring binoculars if you're that way inclined. You'll spot coots, grebes, and if you're lucky, the occasional kingfisher darting between the reeds. Walkers will find it pleasant rather than challenging - flat terrain, well-maintained paths, and enough variety that it doesn't feel like you're just trudging in circles.

Allow two to three hours to do it properly without hurrying. There's a cafe on site, which is useful when someone inevitably gets peckish halfway round. The park is free to enter, which is a bonus.

If you're camped at one of the nearby sites - Gayton Farm is closest at just over a mile away, or there's Lodeside Glamping and Fen Meadows both around three miles out - Milton makes a solid morning outing before heading into Cambridge itself for lunch. It's the sort of place that doesn't demand much planning but delivers reliably. Not dramatic, but honest.