Banks Lake

The water here is properly serene - a long, narrow reservoir that stretches out between moorland fringes, just a few miles south of Richmond. Banks Lake isn't one of those dramatic mountain lakes; it's quieter than that, working landscape rather than postcard drama. You get walkers, anglers, and the occasional family stopping for a picnic on the grassy banks.

The walk around the water is straightforward and decent for a couple of hours if you're not in a rush. The northern end has reasonable access, and you can pick your own route depending on what the weather's doing. It's the sort of place where you'll see curlews in spring and spot the odd heron if you're patient. Not much in the way of facilities, which is either a bonus or a pain depending on your mood.

Kids won't spend all day here - there's no playground or visitor centre, just water and space - but it works well as a breather between busier activities. If you're staying at Kiplin Country Park nearby, it's worth a morning potter before heading back. The real appeal is that it's properly local, not geared up for tourists, which means you'll have it mostly to yourself even in summer. Getting here: park in Richmond and drive south, or walk if you've got the legs for it. Leave yourself a couple of hours, bring a packed lunch, and go with expectations as flat and calm as the water itself.