Village Green

The Village Green near Holt is one of those Norfolk spaces that doesn't announce itself loudly, which is rather the point. It's a proper nature reserve where you can actually hear yourself think - no gift shop, no signage overload, just open grassland, scrub, and the kind of light that makes you understand why painters keep moving to Norfolk.

You'll find wet meadows here alongside drier heath, which means the wildlife changes with the seasons. Spring brings breeding birds; summer delivers dragonflies and butterflies if you know where to look. Autumn turns the whole place golden. It's not dramatically steep or challenging - more of a gentle wander than a hike, though the paths can get muddy after rain.

This works best for walkers who actually want to walk rather than tick a box. If your kids need playground equipment or constant stimulation, they'll be bored within twenty minutes. But if they're the type to spot a kestrel or hunt for toads, they'll want to come back.

Allow a couple of hours to do it properly without rushing. There's no entrance fee that I could find, and no fixed opening times - it's the sort of place you visit when you fancy it. Being so close to Ashcroft Glamping and Old Brick Kilns means you can easily weave it into a Norfolk park holiday alongside other reserves in the area. Don't expect facilities, so bring water and wear decent boots.