Cossington park

Cossington Park sits just outside Bridgwater as a proper little nature reserve - the sort of place where you actually stand a chance of spotting something interesting without fighting through crowds. Wetland habitat, grassland, the works. It's genuinely good for wildlife watching if you know what you're looking for, though I'll be honest: if you're expecting dramatic vistas or a full day's entertainment, you might find yourself done in an hour.

Walkers will get the most from it. The paths are straightforward enough, and there's real value in the quiet - you can actually hear bird calls instead of ice cream van jingles. Families with kids who are into nature spotting will do well here. The younger ones who just want big slides and playgrounds will find it a bit thin on the ground.

Based near Bridgwater, you're well-positioned to mix this with the seaside parks dotted around Burnham-on-Sea way - Haven and Burnham Holiday Village are only five or so miles down the road. That said, Cossington works best as a morning detour rather than your main event. Bring binoculars, wear something waterproof (wetland, remember), and time it for early morning or dusk when birds are actually moving about.

Worth the visit if you're camping locally and fancy a gentle walk. Won't set your pulse racing, but it's honest work if you're after a bit of proper countryside.