Ranworth Broad

The water here is remarkably still on a calm day - you can see right to the bottom in places, which feels odd for somewhere so shallow and surrounded by reed beds. Ranworth Broad sits just inland from Great Yarmouth, and it's one of those Norfolk Broads that actually rewards a proper visit rather than just a quick glance from the car park.

You can walk the perimeter on the footpath, though it's not always obvious where you're meant to go, and parts get boggy after rain. The real draw is the birdwatching. Winter brings grebes and divers; spring and summer you'll spot marsh harriers quartering the reeds and, if you're lucky, bitterns booming at dusk. Bring binoculars and patience - and a decent camera if you're into that sort of thing.

The broad works well as a detour if you're staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Clippesby Hall and Hickling Campsite are both within 5 miles. It's free to visit, takes about an hour to walk round properly, though you could spend two hours there if you're serious about birds. Families with young kids might find it a bit underwhelming unless they're genuinely interested in wildlife; it's not a playground.

Go in the early morning or late afternoon for the best light and the most wildlife activity. Bring waterproof boots. The village of Ranworth itself is tiny, so don't expect facilities - there's a car park and that's about it.