Willow Walk Nature Reserve

The path through Willow Walk curves alongside the water in a way that actually makes you forget you're only minutes from Wantage. It's a proper wetland reserve - reeds, willows doing what they do best, and enough bird life to keep the binoculars occupied for hours. You'll spot herons if you're patient, all sorts of warblers depending on the season, and dragonflies thick as midges in summer.

The walk itself is manageable for most fitness levels. Nothing steep, just the gentle squelch of riverside footpaths. Allow an hour minimum if you're serious about the birdwatching, though you can knock it out in half that if you're just after a quick stretch of the legs. Bring proper shoes though - it stays damp even after decent weather.

Families with older kids will get proper value here. Younger ones might lose interest once the novelty of spotting a heron wears off, which could be anywhere between ten minutes and an hour depending on the child. Serious twitchers, walkers after genuine peace and quiet, and anyone wanting to add a nature element to their break - this ticks those boxes.

If you're based at Evelyns Garden Glamping just down the road, this makes an ideal morning outing before heading into Wantage for lunch. It's the sort of reserve that reminds you why England's wetlands matter, without any of the pomposity that sometimes comes with nature reserves. Real working landscape, not a manicured garden.