Soham Wet Horse Fen

The Fens around Soham have a reputation for being flat and bleak, which is precisely why Wet Horse Fen works. It's a proper wetland nature reserve just east of Ely, where the landscape opens up in that distinctive East Anglian way - wide skies, reed beds stretching to the horizon, and a genuine sense of being somewhere removed from the usual tourist trail.

This is birdwatching territory, first and foremost. Bitterns, marsh harriers, reed warblers - the fen attracts serious ornithologists, particularly during spring and autumn migration. You'll want binoculars and a decent camera if you're into that sort of thing. The walking is straightforward enough; the ground can be boggy after rain, so proper footwear matters. Allow a couple of hours if you're just having a mooch about, longer if you're settling in to watch birds.

Families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming - there's no visitor centre, no café, no walking trail with waymarks. It's the real deal, which means it demands a bit of effort and genuine interest in what you're looking at. If you're staying at somewhere like Trelander Camping & Caravanning just down the road, it's absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. Pair it with a wander through Ely itself, and you've got a proper Fenland morning sorted.

Best in late spring when the birds are most active. Admission appears to be free, though you should check locally before heading out.