Dahlia Pond

You'll find Dahlia Pond tucked away near Baldock, a proper little water feature that punches above its weight for a quiet afternoon out. It's a small lake - nothing grand, but the kind of place where you can actually hear yourself think, which counts for something in Hertfordshire. The pond itself is ringed with trees and has that peaceful quality you chase when you want a break from the A1.

It's best suited to walkers and birdwatchers rather than families after a full day's entertainment. Bring binoculars if you're keen on spotting waterfowl, and allow an hour or so to do a proper lap. There's no developed facilities to speak of, so come prepared - water, a packed lunch, that sort of thing.

The big draw here is the quiet. If you're staying at Ashridge Farm Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite five miles away, this makes a decent morning leg-stretch without eating up half your day. It won't be the highlight of your trip, but it's exactly the kind of undemanding local spot that rounds out a park holiday nicely. Go early to avoid what little crowd there is. The light's best in autumn and spring anyway - summer can feel a touch murky around the edges.