The Mere

The Mere near Woodbridge is one of those Suffolk inland water bodies that catches you off guard - you're driving through quiet countryside and suddenly there's this proper expanse of water, all reedy margins and open sky. It's a lake rather than a dramatic natural wonder, but that's rather the point. You can walk the perimeter if access allows, and it's the sort of place where bird watchers actually find things worth looking at. The surrounding land is flat, very East Anglia, with views that stretch on without drama but with a certain peace to them.

Walkers and anyone into wetland wildlife will get more from it than those wanting dramatic vistas. It's not a destination that'll occupy you for hours - more a pleasant forty-minute diversion if you're camping nearby or passing through the area. The real draw is combining it with a stay at one of the local sites: Carlton Meres Holiday Park, The Orchard Campsite, and Brick Kiln Farm Camping are all within five miles, so you could use The Mere as a morning walk before heading to something with more bells and whistles elsewhere in Suffolk.

Timing-wise, spring and autumn are best when migrating birds turn up. Summer can get busy with families from the holiday parks. The lake itself is free to access - there's no visitor centre or facilities, just the water and the walking paths. Woodbridge town centre is a short drive away if you need a proper cup of tea or lunch.