Marlow Park

The River Great Ouse winds through Marlow Park like it's got all the time in the world, and you'll quickly understand why. This stretch of Cambridgeshire countryside east of Huntingdon is proper wetland territory - reed beds, open water, the sort of place where you actually see what all the fuss about bird watching is on about. Bring binoculars and patience; you'll spot kingfishers if you're lucky, along with the usual cast of herons and water voles if you keep still long enough.

It's a gentle walk rather than anything strenuous, which makes it ideal for families who want their kids to actually engage with nature instead of complaining about their legs. The paths meander without much drama, taking you past ponds and into proper woodland. Allow a couple of hours if you're not rushing, less if you're just after a quick leg-stretch.

The real draw here is the quietness. You won't fight crowds, and the bird life is genuinely impressive for East Anglia. It's the sort of place that rewards returning to - different seasons bring different visitors to the water.

If you're based at Grafham Water Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just over a mile away, or one of the other parks near Huntingdon, Marlow Park makes an easy morning jaunt. Pair it with a wander round Huntingdon town itself and you've got a solid day. Not flashy, but it works.