Pond park

The water here is the real draw at Pond Park, near Bylaugh. It's a proper nature reserve - shallow pools and wet woodland that attract herons, kingfishers, and if you're lucky, the occasional bittern booming in spring. Walking the paths in early morning is when you'll see the most wildlife. The reserve is quiet, genuinely quiet, which means it's either brilliant or a bit dull depending on what you're after.

This is squarely for bird watchers and nature photographers. Families with young children might manage a short circuit before boredom sets in - there's only so much standing still a six-year-old will tolerate. But if you're into spotting species or just want to escape the noise for an hour, it's well worth the detour from Bylaugh.

You can walk the perimeter paths without needing specialist equipment, though waterproof boots are sensible in winter. Spring and autumn bring the best visitor numbers of migrating birds. Allow an hour or two depending on how seriously you take your birdwatching.

If you're based at Bylaugh Country Park Caravan and Campsite five miles away, Pond Park makes an easy morning outing before lunch. It complements a Norfolk holiday nicely - you get the landscape without the crowds of the Broads. Check locally for access details and any seasonal closures, as things can change.