Perched waterside in one of the county’s prettiest nature reserves, this homespun-style cafe offers the perfect pitstop before/after discovering the surrounding 870 acres of undulating countryside.

Inside, you’ll find on-trend upcycled furniture, a charming counter full of sweet and savoury treats (we highly recommend the cheesy scones), plus a breakfast and lunch menu favouring simple dishes, including prawn jacket potatoes with salad and a trad ploughman’s, which always seems to hit the spot. 

Once you’ve refuelled, tap the gift shop for stylish homeware heroes and gorgeous handmade toys, before heading outside for the real draw: a rustic deck overlooking the water. If the sun’s shining, make the most of the cafe’s large alfresco dining space and grab a pew to watch the resident colony of ducks waddle in and out of the glittering blue. 

Beyond, you’ll also find numerous nature trails that take you deep into the heart of the reserve. Kids and twitchers alike will love whiling away an afternoon in one of Hanningfield’s many purpose-made bird huts, eyes peeled for dipping and dancing swallows and swifts. 

More of a walker? With more than 30 acres of ancient woodland, blankets of bluebells and wildfowl-weaved ponds to explore, you’ll be in your element.