Needham Lake Local Nature Reserve

The lake itself is the draw here - a proper tranquil spot just east of Ipswich where you can actually hear yourself think. Water, reeds, the odd heron if you're lucky and patient enough. It's a local nature reserve, which means it's been left largely to its own devices, and that's precisely why it works.

Walkers will get the most from this. There are paths around the water, nothing strenuous, and the light changes beautifully depending on the time of day. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars - the reserve attracts visiting species throughout the year, though autumn and spring are peak times. Kids can manage it fine, though it's not a playground. They'll need to be the observing sort rather than the running-about sort.

Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're genuinely interested in what lives here. There's no charge to visit and no facilities to speak of, so come prepared with water and a decent pair of shoes - the ground gets boggy in patches. Winter's actually excellent for seeing across the water without summer's vegetation in the way, though obviously it's colder.

If you're based at Wheathill or Stonham Barns, this makes a quiet morning's outing. It won't dominate your holiday, but it's the sort of place that settles you down after a few days of busier attractions. Real East Anglia, understated and genuinely peaceful.