Otters

The otter enclosure here sits within what's become a proper draw for families heading into Hertfordshire, just east of Dunstable. You'll find yourself watching these creatures in action - sleek, quick, and far more entertaining than you'd expect from a zoo visit. They move through the water with genuine grace, and there's something oddly hypnotic about watching them dive and surface.

It works best if you've got young kids in tow. The 5-to-10 age group will stand transfixed, though honestly, even adults seem to lose twenty minutes to otter-watching without complaint. The enclosure gives you decent sight lines, which matters - nothing worse than craning your neck through glass at a sleeping animal.

If you're camping nearby - and there's no shortage of options within a couple of miles, from Merlin Farm through to Highridge Farm further afield - this makes for a low-key morning out. It's the sort of thing that fills an hour or so without requiring military planning. The Whipsnade Zoo sits just over the way as well, so you could string a full day together if the weather holds.

Bring a packed lunch rather than relying on on-site catering, and go early if you can. Late morning brings the crowds, and otters lose their appeal somewhat when you're jostling for position. It's free entry if you're staying at certain holiday parks - worth checking before you book accommodation.