Chinnor Quarry 3

The old chalk quarry at Chinnor has transformed into a proper lake, complete with reed beds and the sort of birdlife you'd never expect to find just a few miles from High Wycombe's sprawl. It's the kind of spot that sneaks up on you - suddenly you're surrounded by water where there used to be industrial extraction, and the whole place feels miles from anywhere.

What you're actually doing here is walking around a flooded quarry. There's no theme park energy, no facilities to speak of, just the lake itself and the paths that loop around it. You'll see grebes, the occasional heron, dragonflies in summer. The banks are chalky and steep in places, which means the walk itself has a bit of character - it's not some manicured circuit.

This is genuinely a spot for walkers and birdwatchers rather than families after a day's entertainment. If your kids are the sort who'll spend two hours with binoculars and a bird guide, brilliant. If they need an ice cream van and a playground, they'll be bored in half an hour.

It fits well enough with a camping trip from Home Farm or Bella Vista, both within a couple of miles. Early morning is when the birds are active, so time it right and you'll see something worth the drive. The walk's probably two hours depending on pace and how many times you stop to stare at the water. Access is free - there's nothing to pay.

Worth including if you're serious about exploring the Chilterns. Skip it if you're after more conventional attractions.