Carmer Hole

A small lake tucked away in Nottinghamshire, Carmer Hole isn't going to set your heart racing, but it's a decent enough spot if you're already in the area around Doncaster. The water's surrounded by fairly modest woodland and open ground - nothing that'll make you forget the Lake District, but pleasant enough for a walk and a sit-down with a flask.

It works best if you've got kids who just want to chuck stones and chase about, or if you're a keen birdwatcher with binoculars and patience. The locals seem to use it for a quick leg-stretch rather than a destination in itself, which tells you something. There's not much infrastructure to speak of - no café, no visitor centre, no dramatic viewpoints - so come prepared.

If you're staying at Waterfront Country Park or Misterton Holiday Park, both within easy reach, Carmer Hole could slot in as a morning outing before heading to somewhere with more on offer. Waterfront's got better facilities overall, while Misterton's got the edge on cleanliness. The lake itself costs nothing to visit, and you can be in and out in forty minutes if you're not bothered about lingering. Best visited on a dry day when the paths are decent - after rain it gets a bit boggy and loses what little charm it has. Birdwatchers should come at dawn or dusk.