Riverside Park, St Neots

The River Great Ouse winds through St Neots with proper grace, and Riverside Park gives you direct access to some of the best stretches. It's a straightforward nature reserve - wetland paths, river views, the occasional heron if you're lucky - rather than a theme park affair. You'll find yourself on gentle walking trails that follow the water's edge, with benches dotted about for sitting and watching the water life potter about.

Walkers and birdwatchers get the most from this. Bring binoculars and patience. Families with young kids will manage the flatter sections fine, though it's not a playground destination - more a place where children learn to spot things and walk properly. The whole lot takes between an hour and two hours depending on which paths you fancy.

It's free, which is always welcome. Go early morning if you want to see wildlife at its most active; weekends get busier around St Neots itself. Spring and autumn are the best bets for birding.

If you're staying at St Neots Camping and Caravanning Club Site just down the road - barely a ten-minute walk - this becomes your morning ritual without needing the car. Cambridgeshire Lakes and Grafham Water are close enough for day trips if you want variety, but Riverside Park itself is honest work: no frills, just riverside peace. Worth your time if you appreciate a quiet walk more than a ticket attraction.