EASTERN ENGLAND

WICKEN FEN CAMBRIDGESHIRE

A beautiful landscape near Ely covering over 800 acres, Wicken Fen Nature Reserve, below and inset, is one of the last stretches of the undrained fenland that once covered parts of East Anglia. It now has more than 9,000 species of plants, insects and animals, including shorteared owls and rare orchids. One of the newest species to be introduced is the semi-wild Polish pony. The popular Boardwalk and Woodland Walks are accessible and suitable for buggies, wheelchairs and mobility scooters. And this summer there’s a host of activities to enjoy, as well as an information centre and a small and friendly cafe.

ANGLESEY ABBEY CAMBRIDGESHIRE

A priory in the 12th Century, Anglesey Abbey became a home after the dissolution of the monasteries. Bought in 1926 by an Anglo-American oil heir who loved horse-racing, it’s a monument to his passions. Lord Fairhaven was also an avid clock-collector – don’t miss the pagoda-shaped clock in the drawing room. The garden has been cultivated with care: there are more than 230 plants in the herbaceous borders. And on the horse-racing theme, every Saturday in the school holidays, and over the August bank holiday, families can take part in the ‘Anglesey Races’: guaranteed fun for all.

SHERINGHAM PARK NORFOLK

Georgian garden designer Humphry Repton called Sheringham Park, which he created in 1812, his ‘favourite and darling child’. You can get a bird’s-eye view of its meadows, cliff top and gardens by climbing one of the observation towers. The Norfolk Coastal Path comes across the land and steam trains can sometimes be seen puffing away in the distance. Above all, it’s about nature here – three species of deer, and butterflies, including recent sightings of the rare Purple Emperor. The best place to see majestic butterflies is by the oak trees they use for courtship displays. This summer also brings ‘bat walks’ and ‘rock pool ranger’ sessions, where children can net shrimp, catch crabs and dig for worms.