Our verdict
A varied, interesting reserve with a genuine chance of spotting adders or sand lizards on a warm day, and enough path network for a decent leg-stretch. No facilities on site, so come prepared.
A National Nature Reserve of lowland heath, woodland and wetland at Holton Heath, one of the few English sites where all six native reptile species can be found. A WWII gun tower on the Gun Tower loop is a reminder of the site's use as a former cordite factory.