Newton Park

Newton Park sits just outside Norwich and is one of those reserves that rewards you for knowing about it rather than stumbling in by accident. It's a genuine working nature reserve - think reedbeds, scrub woodland, and the kind of wetland habitat that brings in migrating birds by the hundreds in spring and autumn. The walking trails criss-cross the site without being over-managed, which means you get actual nature rather than a manicured park experience.

Birdwatchers will spend a proper afternoon here, especially if you've got decent binoculars. The reedy sections can be brilliant for warblers and occasional rarities, depending on the season. Families with younger kids might find it a bit quiet - there's no visitor centre, no cafe, no obvious infrastructure - but older children who can walk steadily will enjoy spotting insects and following the water's edge. It's the kind of place where you actually need to slow down and look.

The reserve works brilliantly as a morning or early evening excursion if you're based at Norfolk Broads Haven, just a few miles away. Time it right and you'll have the paths largely to yourself. Expect to spend two to three hours if you're taking it seriously, or an hour if you're just after a gentle walk. Spring migration season (April-May) is when it comes alive, though autumn can be equally productive. Check with Norwich's wildlife trust for the latest sightings before you visit - it'll tell you whether there's anything worth a special trip right now.