St Marys Playing Field

Walking into St Mary's Playing Field just outside Folkestone, you're immediately struck by how quiet it is - a proper nature reserve that's somehow stayed off the radar. The field itself is open grassland fringed with mature trees, the sort of place where you'll actually spot birds rather than just hear them mentioned on a interpretation board.

This is genuinely rewarding for serious birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. The open meadow attracts lapwings and skylarks, while the wooded edges draw in various warbler species depending on the season. If you're after casual family rambling, it works, but don't expect dramatic vistas or facilities - there's no café, no visitor centre, just a field and your binoculars.

The walking is straightforward enough, maybe thirty minutes to an hour depending on how much you stop to look about. Spring and early summer are your best bets for seeing migrant species, though autumn can be productive too. Winter's quieter but still worth the trip if you're local.

If you're staying at New Beach Holiday Park a few miles away, this makes a decent half-morning outing before heading back for lunch. It's not a reason to book a holiday, but if you're already in the Folkestone area and you've got binoculars in the car, you'd be daft not to swing by. Real countryside five minutes from town - that's the appeal.