Carr Mill Dam

The water at Carr Mill Dam sits absolutely still on a calm day, which is precisely why it's worth the short drive from Skelmersdale. It's a working reservoir, not some manicured tourist attraction, and that's its charm. You get a proper walk around the perimeter - takes about an hour depending on pace - with decent views across the water to the Lancashire moorland beyond.

It's a solid spot for families with older kids or anyone who enjoys a straightforward lakeside walk without the crowds you'd find at the bigger attractions. The path is well-maintained and flat enough, though it can get muddy after rain. Birdwatchers come here regularly, and if you're lucky you'll spot herons. On a weekday morning it feels genuinely peaceful.

What won't happen here is queuing or paying entry fees. You just turn up and go. There's limited parking but it rarely feels rammed. The nearby Secret Garden Glamping (about five miles away) is the obvious base if you're making it part of a longer stay - that five-star outfit would let you wake up and head straight to the dam with a flask of coffee.

If you're after dramatic scenery or lengthy walks, look elsewhere. But if you're halfway through a Lancashire break and want something low-key and free, this does the job. Forty minutes here breaks up a day nicely.