The Leap

The River Severn does something rather dramatic here just outside Worcester - it drops away beneath you in a proper gorge, and The Leap is where you get the best view of it. This nature reserve sits right on the edge, giving you that genuine sense of standing on the brink of something substantial.

It's a short walk from the car park to the viewpoint itself, nothing strenuous, just enough to feel like you've earned the view. The gorge cuts deep through woodland, and on a clear day you can see right down to where the water's been carving away at the rock for centuries. Bring binoculars if you've got them - the woodland here attracts proper birdwatchers, and in spring and autumn the migration gets properly busy.

This works best for walkers and nature types rather than small children, if I'm honest. There's not much of a "thing to do" - it's all about standing still and looking. But that's precisely why it's worth the detour. The nearby holiday parks - Swallowfields Retreat and Turbles are both within easy reach - make good bases if you're planning a longer stay in the area. The reserve itself is free to access, and you can spend anything from thirty minutes to a couple of hours depending on how seriously you take the birdwatching and photography.

Go early morning or late afternoon for the best light and the quietest experience. Midday can feel a bit exposed and busy.