Slapton Ley Nature Reserve, Slapton, Kingsbridge, Devon
Take five from the hustle and bustle of the beach at Slapton and have a wander round Slapton Ley Nature Reserve where the freshwater lake is the largest in the South West at a mile and a half long. The reserve is home to an abundance of wildlife and has not just National Nature Reserve Status but is also an SSSI.
All around the lake are reed beds, marshes and trees so if you keep very quiet you never know what you might see. Birdwatchers come here and amble out to the hides hoping to spot wetland fowl and migratory birds that come here in huge flocks; listen out for warblers and the booming call of bittern. You might even be fortunate enough to glimpse an otter slipping into the water, or the blue-green flash of a kingfisher hunting on the water.
There are walking and cycling trails around the reserve but it’s still possible to find a tranquil spot and just enjoy being close to nature. When you can tear yourself away, stroll up to the village for lunch or a pint at The Tower Inn. This is the kind of thing that family holidays in Devon are all about.
All information correct at the time of writing