Trinity Broads

The Trinity Broads sit just east of Great Yarmouth, a trio of shallow waterways that form part of Norfolk's broader network of wetlands. What you get here is pure, unvarnished fenland - reedy banks, slow-moving water, and the kind of light that makes photographers weep. It's not dramatic. It won't bowl you over with grandeur. But if you want to actually understand what the Norfolk Broads are, rather than just glide past them on a hired cruiser, this is where to come.

The main draw is walking or cycling the towpaths that run alongside the water. Birdwatchers will have the most rewarding time - bitterns, marsh harriers, and countless waterfowl make their home here, particularly in spring and early summer. Families with older kids who can manage a proper walk will find it engaging; younger children might lose interest unless you're dead keen on spotting birds.

Access appears to be free, and you can spend anywhere from an hour on a quick loop to half a day if you're serious about the paths. The broads work brilliantly alongside a stay at Richardson's Hemsby Beach Holiday Park or California Cliffs just down the road - you've got your seaside fix sorted, but the Trinity Broads offer genuine quiet and space when the beaches get rammed. Early morning is your best bet for both wildlife and avoiding crowds. Bring binoculars and waterproof shoes.