Billy's Lake

There's a proper working quarry lake near Waterlooville that's become something of a local favourite, though it's not the sort of place you'd stumble across by accident. Billy's Lake sits in what used to be an extraction site, and the water is genuinely clean enough for swimming if you're keen - the depth and clarity are decent for a Hampshire spot. You get a beach area that's manageable, some green space around the edges, and the whole thing has that slightly rough-around-the-edges appeal that beats the manicured seaside towns by a mile.

Families with older kids will get more from it than toddlers - there's not much infrastructure, and it's more of a "bring your own entertainment" setup. Swimmers and paddleboarders are the core crowd. The walk around the perimeter takes a comfortable twenty minutes or so if you fancy some air without committing to a full hike.

Getting there from Waterlooville is straightforward, though parking can fill up on warm weekends. Check locally for current access arrangements before you head out, as quarry sites sometimes have changing rules about public use.

If you're camping or glamping in the area - Glamping at Wallops Wood and ScottsHaven Caravaning are both within easy reach - this works well as a half-day outing rather than a main event. It pairs nicely with a walk at one of the surrounding parks without eating into your whole day. Worth a visit if you're in the neighbourhood, but don't reorganise your holiday around it.