Welton Waters

Welton Waters sits just outside Brough and is exactly the sort of place you'll stumble upon while pottering round East Yorkshire - a quiet nature reserve where you can actually hear yourself think. The main draw is the water itself: a series of lagoons and wetland areas that attract proper numbers of birds, making it ideal for anyone with binoculars and patience. Depending on the season, you might spot waders, wildfowl, or if you're lucky, the odd scarcer visitor.

It's straightforward walking terrain, nothing strenuous, so families with young kids won't find themselves dealing with scrambles or steep climbs. The reserve works well as a morning outing - two hours is enough to do a decent loop and see what's about. Bring a field guide or download an app; knowing what you're looking at makes the whole thing considerably more rewarding.

For anyone staying at Willow Pond Caravan Site or Little Wold Away Glamping nearby, this is genuinely worth the short drive. It's the kind of place that fills a gap between bigger attractions - not dramatic or famous, but properly good if you're into wildlife or just fancy a walk that doesn't involve queues. Go early in the day when birds are most active and visitor numbers are thin on the ground. Winter and spring migrations bring the best shows, though there's something worth seeing in most seasons. It's free access, naturally, and the paths are well-maintained enough for most abilities.