Blake Mere

The water here is properly clear, which is the first thing that strikes you when you arrive at Blake Mere near Ellesmere. It's a glacial lake formed thousands of years ago, and on a still day you can see why people come back to it again and again. The mere sits in quiet countryside, surrounded by woodland and grassland - no fairground atmosphere, no crowds fighting for space.

What you actually do is walk around it. The footpath loops the whole thing, taking about forty minutes at a normal pace, though you can stop as long as you like on the banks. Walkers will appreciate the terrain - it's easy going, no scrambling involved - and it's the sort of place where you might spot waterfowl or catch a decent view across the water toward the fields beyond. Families with primary-school age kids will find it manageable, though younger children might need carrying on sections of the path.

There's no visitor centre or facilities that I could pin down, so bring what you need. It's free to visit and accessible year-round, though spring and early summer are best when the light's good and the path isn't waterlogged. If you're staying at Colemere Caravan Park or Archers' Meadow Glamping nearby - both within two miles - Blake Mere is an easy morning outing to break up a holiday. It won't hold you for a full day, but it's the sort of spot you'll come back to if you're in the area again.