Arlesey Old Moat and Glebe Meadows Nature Reserve

The Old Moat at Arlesey sits quietly on the edge of Henlow, a proper slice of medieval earthwork that most people driving past would completely miss. It's basically a raised mound surrounded by a water-filled ditch - the remains of a Norman fortification from centuries back - and it's the kind of thing that rewards a proper look rather than a quick glance. The adjacent Glebe Meadows Nature Reserve is where things get interesting for anyone who actually cares about wildlife. Wildflowers bloom through spring and summer, and the meadow attracts birds and insects that you won't see in manicured parks.

Walkers will find it straightforward enough, though it's not going to blow your mind with scale or drama. The moat itself takes ten minutes to circumnavigate, and the meadow is best explored when the flowers are at their peak. Families with young children might manage twenty minutes before restlessness sets in, but keen naturalists and local history types will spend longer poking about.

It's free to access and sits perfectly if you're based at Henlow Bridge Lakes or any of the nearby caravan sites in the area. The proximity to Radwell Lake and Baldock Park Homes makes it an easy addition to a broader camping holiday. Spring through early summer is when it's worth the detour - autumn and winter, it's a bit thin on the ground. Not essential viewing, but a decent stop if you're already in Henlow and have an hour spare.