Queen Victoria Gardens

The lagoons and reed beds at Queen Victoria Gardens pull you straight into proper East Yorkshire birdwatching country. It's a working nature reserve just outside Bridlington, and unless you've got binoculars and a bird book, you'll want to bring both. The wetland habitat draws waders, wildfowl, and seasonal migrants - in spring and autumn the place gets busy with twitchers tracking rare visitors. Paths wind around the water, and it's the kind of spot where you might stand still for twenty minutes waiting for a redshank or a marsh harrier to show itself.

This isn't a destination for everyone. If you're after a quick stroll with the kids and an ice cream, you'll find it dull within half an hour. But walkers and nature types will happily spend an afternoon here, especially if the light's good and the wind's in the right direction for sound. Spring is the peak season - April and May bring the most activity - though winter attracts different species if you know what you're looking for.

Based just a few miles from the beach parks around Barmston and Seaside Caravan Park, it pairs well with a seaside stay. You can combine a lazy morning at the holiday park with a few hours of serious birdwatching, then head into Bridlington for fish and chips. Admission is free, and there's no set visiting hours - it's open whenever. Bring waterproof boots; the paths get boggy.