The Dippy

The Dippy is a small nature reserve just outside Warminster that punches well above its weight if you know what you're looking for. It's basically a shallow lake and surrounding wetland - the sort of place where you'll spot mallards, herons, and if you're lucky, the occasional kingfisher skimming the water. The walking is dead easy, nothing strenuous, which makes it ideal for families with younger kids or anyone after a gentle afternoon out.

You won't spend hours here - forty minutes to an hour covers it properly - but that's actually the beauty of it. It's the kind of spot to tick off before heading to Longleat, which sits only a few miles away and dominates the local holiday park scene. If you're staying at Center Parcs Longleat Forest or one of the glamping spots like Hidden Wood, The Dippy works brilliantly as a quieter morning visit before the bigger attractions claim your afternoon.

The reserve doesn't require entry fees and has no formal opening hours to worry about, so you can turn up whenever suits. Bring binoculars if you're into bird-spotting - that's genuinely what makes the visit worthwhile. Without them, it's pleasant enough but ultimately just a lake. Spring and early summer are your best bets for seeing anything interesting. Winter can feel a bit bleak and muddy underfoot. Families with very young children might find it a touch dull unless someone's properly into nature, but walkers heading through the area should absolutely factor it in.