Paxton Pits

The gravel pits here have been left to their own devices long enough that they've become something rather special - a sprawl of lakes and wetland that pulls in birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts from across the region. You'll find yourself walking along proper trails with binoculars out, spotting everything from great crested grebes to the odd kingfisher if you're lucky and patient.

It's the kind of place where you can spend a solid two hours and feel like you've had a proper day out without breaking a sweat. The walking is gentle, flat stuff - nothing taxing - so it works well for families with younger kids, though they might get a bit restless if you're lingering too long at each bird-spotting spot. Keen ornithologists will find far more to keep them engaged than casual strollers.

Open daily from 10am to 4pm, and it appears to be free entry, which is decent value. The reserve sits just east of St. Neots, making it an easy hop if you're based at the St. Neots Camping and Caravanning Club Site nearby - barely three miles away. It pairs well with a wider Cambridgeshire park holiday: Grafham Water's caravan site is only a few miles further if you fancy combining this with some water-based activities or a different sort of explore.

Bring proper binoculars and a bird identification guide. The light's best early morning or late afternoon, so plan accordingly if you want the better photography conditions.