Normandy Marsh

The marsh spreads out flat and wide near Freshwater, a proper working wetland rather than a manicured nature reserve. You'll find yourself walking on boardwalks or the firmer paths that crisscross the water meadows, watching for water birds and the occasional flash of colour from a kingfisher if you're lucky. The light here is extraordinary - that low, flat quality you get across wetlands means the sky takes up half your view, reflected perfectly in the still water on calm days.

This is walker territory, or twitchers with binoculars. Kids will manage it fine for an hour or so, though they might find the lack of a dramatic summit or dramatic views a bit underwhelming. The appeal is in the quiet observation - the reeds, the bird calls, the sense that you're somewhere wild and working. It's not dramatic, but it's restful in a way that does the opposite of exhaust you.

Freshwater itself is just west along the coast, so you could easily tie this in with a coastal walk or a village wander. If you're camped at Heathfield Farm or The Bay Colwell, both just a few miles off, the marsh is a genuine bonus - somewhere to decompress between beach days. There's no entrance fee that I'm aware of, and you can do it in whatever time suits you. Go early morning or late afternoon when the light's best and the birds are most active. Winter's actually decent here too, when the visiting wildfowl arrive.