Seabrook Park

A stretch of saltmarsh and shingle that's quietly doing its job protecting the Kent coast while barely making a fuss about it. Seabrook Park sits between Folkestone and the sea, and it's the sort of place where you'll spot more birdwatchers than tourists, which says everything really.

The reserve itself is proper low-key. You get access to some lovely walking routes through the wetland areas, and if you're into birds - waders, terns, that sort of thing - this is genuinely worth your time. The shingle beach itself has that bracing, windswept feel you expect from the Kent coast. Families with young kids might find it a bit limited after an hour or so, but keen walkers and twitchers will have a proper wander here without feeling crowded.

There's something refreshing about a nature reserve that doesn't try to turn itself into a visitor attraction. No gift shop, no cafes, just you and whatever wildlife's about. In spring and autumn the migrating birds make it quite special if you know what to look for.

For a holiday based around New Beach Holiday Park or Fallow Fields Camping, Seabrook makes a decent morning outing when the weather's kind. Head in with sensible expectations - you're here for a walk and a bit of nature watching, not for manicured gardens and play areas. That's rather the point.