Kensington Gardens, Lowestoft

Kensington Gardens sits on Kirkley Cliff Road on the south side of Lowestoft, a short walk back from the promenade and the sands of South Beach. Laid out in the Edwardian era on land given to the town by shipping magnate Sir Samuel Morton Peto's successors, the gardens have retained their formal character: clipped lawns, colourful bedding displays, mature trees and shaded benches arranged around a series of interlinked paths.

The centrepiece is the ornamental boating lake, where pedalos and rowing boats can be hired in the summer months. The lake winds around small planted islands and is popular with ducks and other waterfowl, so it doubles as a quiet spot for wildlife watching when the boats are off the water. A café near the water's edge serves teas, ice creams and light lunches, and there are plenty of benches for anyone happy just to sit and watch the activity on the lake.

Beyond the lake you'll find crown green bowling rinks, tennis courts and a putting green, all still in regular use, along with a children's play area. The gardens back onto the seafront, so a visit combines easily with a walk along the Lowestoft promenade towards Claremont Pier, or south along the low cliffs towards Pakefield. It's a good stop for families, older visitors and anyone looking for a calmer alternative to the busier stretches of the seaside town.