Alton Water Aqua Park

The water sports scene around Alton Water, just outside Ipswich, centres on a proper working reservoir that's been transformed into a playground for anyone keen on getting wet. You'll find sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking all on offer - the kind of place where you turn up expecting one activity and end up trying three because the kit's there and the conditions look promising.

It's brilliant for families who want their kids off screens and into something active. Teenagers will either love it or find it tame depending on how much they crave speed and risk. Walkers and casual visitors often pop by just for the shoreline path, which gives decent views without requiring any particular skill or courage. The thing is, if you're not into water sports, you're essentially looking at a large body of water and some walking trails - lovely enough on a good day, but not worth the trip on its own.

Stay at one of the nearby parks - Suffolk Steel House & Glamping and Strangers Holiday Park are closest at just a couple of miles - and you can easily combine this with other activities in the area. Ipswich itself is near enough for a rainy day diversion. Allow a full afternoon if you're doing lessons or renting equipment, or an hour or so if you're just walking the perimeter. Best visited on weekdays when it's less rammed with school groups.