Big Dam

The reservoir sprawls across the landscape like something from a postcard - water so still you'd swear it was glass. Big Dam, just outside Skelmersdale in Lancashire, is the sort of place locals know about but tourists often miss, and that's rather the appeal.

It's genuinely excellent for a half-day walk. The path runs around the perimeter and takes a good couple of hours at a proper pace, with proper views across the water. On a clear day you can see for miles. Wildlife types will spot waterfowl without much effort - nothing rare or spectacular, but the kind of birds that make a morning worthwhile. The banks are manageable underfoot, though parts get muddy after rain, so waterproof boots aren't a bad shout.

Families with older kids will do fine here. Younger ones might lose interest after an hour unless they're the type to spend a morning looking for ducks. It's free to visit and there's no hassle with gates or opening times - just turn up.

The nearest accommodation worth mentioning is The Secret Garden Glamping, about six miles away, which gives you something half-decent to base yourself from if you're planning a proper Lancashire break. The area's not exactly dramatic, but for a straightforward leg-stretch and a bit of fresh air between other activities, Big Dam delivers. Worth the drive if you're in the region.