The Shrubberies Nature Reserve

The Shrubberies is a proper working nature reserve just outside Spalding, where someone's actually bothered to manage the land with wildlife in mind rather than just letting it go wild. You're looking at wetland and grassland habitat - the sort of place where you might spot lapwings, reed warblers, or if you're lucky, a marsh harrier cutting across the open water. There's a walking route through it, nothing too strenuous, and binoculars are essential unless you enjoy squinting at distant birds.

It's absolutely the right stop if you've got birdwatchers in the family or you're the type who finds peace in watching dragonflies rather than screaming on a fairground ride. Kids who've been dragged round museums all week will either be genuinely fascinated or restless within half an hour - depends entirely on whether they can actually spot anything. Spring and early summer are best; winter is quieter but can be bleak.

The reserve works perfectly as a morning outing from any of the nearby parks - Laurel Park Campsite and The Lawns are both within striking distance and highly rated. You could combine it with a walk around Spalding itself, though the town's more functional than thrilling. Allow two to three hours if you're taking it seriously with binoculars and a bird guide. It's free, which is the only way to visit a nature reserve, really, and there's no pretence about it. Just decent wetland habitat and the genuine possibility of seeing something worth seeing.