Old Hockey Field

The Old Hockey Field near Bungay is one of those Norfolk spots that doesn't announce itself loudly, which is rather the point. It's a nature reserve where the main attraction is the space itself - wide open meadows that shift colour with the seasons, backed by scrubby woodland that's genuinely good for spotting things. Expect butterflies in summer, occasional kingfishers if you're lucky along the water margins, and the kind of quiet that makes you remember why you left the car behind.

It's brilliant for a proper walk rather than a quick look-and-leave. The terrain is flat and undemanding, so families with younger legs won't struggle, though there's not much in the way of facilities or playground infrastructure - bring a packed lunch if you're planning to stay a few hours. Serious birdwatchers come here, and so do botanists. If you're just after a pleasant ramble with the possibility of spotting something interesting, you'll have that too.

The nearest decent base is Wardley Hill Campsite just 3.5 miles away, which is rated highly and makes for a solid pit-stop if you're exploring Norfolk's nature reserves. The Old Hockey Field works well as part of a broader reserve-hopping holiday - it's the sort of place that reveals itself gradually rather than in one obvious moment. Go early morning when the light's right and the wildlife's most active. Free access, as far as anyone can tell.