Stonea Grange Ballast Pit

You won't find Stonea Grange Ballast Pit on most tourist maps, which is rather the point. This former gravel extraction site near March has transformed into a proper little lake - the kind of place where you're more likely to spot a heron than a tour bus. The water's clear enough for a decent look at whatever's living underneath, and the surrounding banks are quiet enough that you can actually hear yourself think.

It's a straightforward spot: walk the perimeter, bring binoculars if you're into birdwatching, maybe chuck in a fishing rod if that's your thing. Families with young kids will get an hour out of it, walkers considerably more. The real appeal is the peace. There's no cafe, no visitor centre, no facilities to speak of - just water, birds, and a bit of Fenland solitude that's increasingly rare.

Timing-wise, early morning or dusk are when the wildlife's most active. Summer brings dragonflies; winter's for serious birders. March is the nearest town, only a few minutes' drive away, which makes this genuinely convenient rather than a trek.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Fenland Camping just 2.4 miles off, or Fields End Water if you fancy something with more facilities - this works as a morning wander before heading elsewhere. It's not a destination in itself, but as a quiet addition to a Fenland holiday, it's well worth knowing about.