Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve

The shallow lakes at Brandon Marsh are alive with birds - herons stalking the shallows, grebes diving, occasional kingfishers if you're lucky. This 125-acre nature reserve just outside Rugby is run by the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and it's genuinely worth half a day if you're into birdwatching or a gentle woodland walk.

You can walk the looped trails that wind around the pools and through the reedbeds. The boardwalk sections are handy if the ground's wet, and there are a few viewing platforms where you can sit and scan with binoculars. Spring and autumn are peak migration seasons - that's when the serious twitchers show up - but there's something to see most of the year. Winter's good too: fewer people, and the bare trees make spotting easier.

It's not a massive destination in itself, more a proper addition to a longer day out in the area. You could clock the main circuit in 90 minutes, or potter about for three hours if you're patient. The paths are accessible enough for families, though younger kids might lose interest if they're expecting petting zoos and playgrounds.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks like Eriba Glade or Avon Wild Camping, Brandon Marsh works well as a morning activity before heading into Rugby town or pushing on to other Warwickshire attractions. It's free to access, which is a bonus. Bring binoculars and a bird guide - seriously, the latter makes all the difference.