Billingford Fishing Lakes & Country Park

Three lakes surrounded by woodland and open grassland - that's the core of what Billingford offers, and honestly, it's the kind of spot that works best if you're staying nearby rather than making a special trip from miles away. The fishing lakes are the main draw, obviously, for anyone with a rod and a bit of patience, but the walking routes around the perimeter are genuinely pleasant, especially in spring when the woodland comes alive.

The country park side of things means there's more than just angling here. You get open parkland for families to wander around, some decent paths if you want a proper walk, and enough space that it never feels rammed even on weekends. Kids won't be bored for hours, but if you've got a dog or you're after a gentle couple of hours between other activities, it fills the gap nicely.

If you're camping at Bylaugh Country Park or Ashcroft Glamping - both within spitting distance - this becomes a useful spot to add to your days. The fishing lakes pull a specific crowd, but the country park bit is accessible whether you're an angler or not. Bring binoculars if you're into birds; the lakes attract a decent variety. Allow two to three hours if you're walking the whole thing, less if you're just having a mooch around. The real beauty here is its simplicity - no café, no gift shop, no Instagram faffing about. Just lakes, trees, and peace.