Salhouse Broad

The water at Salhouse Broad sits so still on a calm day that you'd swear it was glass. This shallow Norfolk lake, just east of Wroxham, is one of the quieter broads - less crowded than some of its neighbours, which makes it rather good if you're after a proper bit of peace. You can walk the perimeter, watch for bitterns and marsh harriers if you're patient, or simply sit and do nothing much at all.

It's fundamentally a place for water lovers and birdwatchers rather than thrill-seekers. The walks are flat and straightforward, perfect for families with young children or anyone who'd rather observe nature than conquer it. Allow a couple of hours for a leisurely loop, longer if you've brought binoculars and the mood takes you.

The broad sits within reach of Norfolk Broads Haven - a well-rated holiday park just 2.6 miles away - making it a logical day-trip from a caravan base. It works particularly well as part of a broader Broads itinerary, giving you variety between the livelier boating spots and these quieter, more contemplative stretches of water. Visit during early morning or dusk if birdlife is your draw; the light is better anyway, and the crowds thinner still.

Free to access and utterly unglamorous in the best possible way. Not somewhere to rush through, but somewhere to settle into.