Albans Lakes

Two lakes just outside St Albans that feel properly removed from the town bustle, even though you're barely a mile away. The water's ringed by woodland and fairly open grassland - it's the sort of place where you can actually see both lakes at once, which sounds daft but makes a difference to how the space feels.

You get decent walking around the perimeter, nothing strenuous, and it's the kind of spot where locals bring dogs and families bring kids to feed the ducks (though check current rules on that). The paths are well-trodden and mostly flat. On a decent day the reflections in the water are genuinely good if you're into photography, and there's enough shade under the trees to make it pleasant in summer without feeling cramped.

It works best as a walking break rather than a destination in itself - allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're dawdling. Free to visit and no car park nonsense that I'm aware of, which helps. The nearest proper accommodation is Cherry Green Trees just 1.2 miles away, making this ideal for caravan holidays in the area where you want a quick leg-stretch without driving far. It's neither dramatic nor disappointing - just solid local walking that beats sitting on the pitch.