Paxton Pits Visitor Centre and Parking

The car park at Paxton Pits is genuinely the best starting point for exploring what's become one of Cambridgeshire's more interesting nature reserves. You pull in just east of St. Neots, and immediately you're surrounded by evidence of old gravel extraction - these aren't remote wetlands, they're working landscapes that have been reclaimed by wildlife. The visitor centre gives you the lay of the land before you head out on foot.

Walkers will get the most from this place. The paths loop around several flooded pits, and you'll spot waders, wildfowl, and the occasional kingfisher if you're patient and quiet. It's not dramatic scenery - no hills, no views that'll make you gasp - but it's proper Fenland ecology, and birdwatchers take it seriously. Families with young kids can manage the flatter sections, though there's not much to do beyond bird-spotting, so attention spans under eight might waver after an hour.

Allow two to three hours if you're doing the full circuit at a leisurely pace. The site works brilliantly as a morning stop from St. Neots Camping and Caravanning Club Site, just 2.4 miles away, or from Grafham Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite if you're based there - Grafham itself is worth the visit too. Paxton Pits fills the gap between a proper walk and actual birdwatching. Bring binoculars. Wear waterproof boots. Go early before the light turns flat.