RSPB Titchwell Marsh

The moment you step onto the reserve's main trail, you're surrounded by reed beds that seem to stretch forever. Titchwell Marsh is one of Norfolk's most reliable spots for birdwatching - proper serious stuff, but equally welcoming to casual visitors who just fancy a walk and a spot of nature watching.

What you get is a series of well-maintained paths threading through different habitats: freshwater pools, saltmarsh, and those endless reeds that murmur in the wind. Binoculars essential if you're here for the birds. In winter you'll spot wigeon and pintail; spring brings warblers and terns; summer can yield marsh harriers and bitterns if you're lucky. The visitor centre at the start has displays that actually explain what you're looking at, which helps if you can't tell a redshank from your elbow.

It's free to explore, and you can do the main loop in an hour or potter about for half the day. Families with kids do well here - the paths are flat and easy, though patience is required if your lot aren't interested in birds. Serious twitchers camp out for hours with their scopes and notebooks.

Titchwell sits just inland from Hunstanton, making it a natural fit for a Norfolk coast holiday. Pair it with the glamping spots nearby - Wild Luxury is barely two miles away - and you've got proper peace and quiet in the evenings. The coastal path is minutes away if you want different scenery, but this reserve genuinely delivers.