Radipole Lake

Urban wildlife watching doesn't get much better than this brackish lagoon right in Weymouth's backyard. Radipole Lake sits between the town centre and the harbour, created when engineers built a railway embankment across the River Wey back in Victorian times. What resulted is a proper magnet for birds - I've spotted everything from little egrets to kingfishers here.

The RSPB manages the site, with decent viewing hides and a visitor centre that makes identification easy for beginners. Spring and autumn bring the best variety, though winter offers impressive flocks of wigeon and teal. Kids will love the nature trail, which takes about an hour if you dawdle at each hide.

For families staying at nearby parks like Haven Weymouth Bay or Chesil Beach Holiday Park, it's a brilliant rainy-day alternative to the beach. The flat paths work well for pushchairs too. Serious birders should bring binoculars - the hides can get busy during school holidays, so early morning visits work best. Access is free, and you can easily combine it with Weymouth's other attractions since everything's within walking distance of the town centre.