Saxon Springs Park

The spring-fed pools at Saxon Springs Park arrive as a proper surprise if you're exploring the flatlands around Market Rasen. What you're looking at is a nature reserve built around genuine freshwater springs - the sort of geological oddity that stands out when everything else is pancake-flat fenland. The water's clear enough to spot fish, and the paths loop around with enough woodland to make you forget you're in Lincolnshire for a bit.

This is fundamentally a walker's spot. Bring binoculars if you're into birds; the reserve attracts warblers and waterfowl throughout the year. It's not a destination that demands hours - most people work through the main trail in under an hour and a half - but it's the kind of place that rewards a slower pace. Kids get bored easily unless they're genuinely interested in spotting things, so don't expect them to stay enthused if they're purely after playground energy.

The reserve appears to be free and unmanned, which means no visitor centre frills but also no gate fees or opening hours to worry about. Pitch your tent at nearby Lincolnshire Lanes Camp - just 3.5 miles away - and you've got a solid base for walking this patch of the country. Spring and early summer are best; the vegetation's lush and the bird activity picks up. Winter's bleak and grey, though that's when you might see overwintering rarities if you know what you're doing.

Worth a morning if you're in the area. Not a reason to plan your trip around it, but absolutely worth the detour.