RSPB Winterbourne Downs

The chalk downland around Winterbourne Downs rolls out in proper waves of open grassland, and it's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think. This RSPB reserve sits a few miles north of Salisbury, and what you're really here for is the birdlife - skylarks, stone curlews, and if you're lucky, a hobby cutting through the air above the scrubland. The walking's straightforward enough, nothing too demanding, though the paths can get muddy after rain. You'll want binoculars and a bit of patience. Bring a bird guide or download an app because spotting and identifying them properly makes the whole visit click into place.

Walkers and serious birders will get far more out of this than casual visitors expecting something visually dramatic. There's no visitor centre, no café - it's very much a case of boots on ground and eyes up. The reserve feels genuinely wild, which is exactly the point. Early morning visits in spring yield the best sightings when the birds are most vocal. Allow two hours at minimum if you want to do it properly and actually see something worth the trip.

If you're based at Salisbury Hillside Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite, Winterbourne Downs makes for a cracking morning or afternoon session without eating into a full day's plans. Combine it with a walk around Old Sarum or time in Salisbury town and you've got a solid day sorted. It's free to access, which is just as well given there are no facilities. Go when the weather's decent - there's little shelter out here.