Big Lake

Big Lake sits just outside Northampton and does exactly what it says on the tin - it's a proper body of water that dominates the landscape. You'll find walkers, anglers and families with young kids drawn here for the straightforward reason that there's water to look at and space to move around in.

The lake itself is best visited on foot. A circuit around the perimeter takes a decent hour or so depending on your pace, and the walking is flat enough that you won't feel punished for it. The water attracts birdwatchers during migration seasons, and if you're into fishing there are apparently facilities here, though I'd check locally before rocking up with rods.

There's something about a working lake that beats a manicured pond. It's not a tourist attraction in the bells-and-whistles sense - no café, no visitor centre, no interpretive boards telling you what you're looking at. Just the water, the sky, and whatever's nesting in the reeds. If that appeals to you, it's worth the detour. If you're after something more structured, you might find it a touch underwhelming.

For families staying at Grendon Lakes just down the road, Big Lake makes a decent morning outing when the weather's decent. Combines nicely with other walks in the area round Northampton. Free to visit, naturally, and you can pitch up whenever you fancy.