Daneshill Lakes

Two lakes carved out of South Yorkshire clay, Daneshill is the sort of spot you'd walk past on a country ramble and think, 'That's rather nice.' The water sits low in the landscape near Retford, fringed by reeds and backed by woodland - nothing dramatic, but genuinely peaceful. You're looking at a decent walking loop around the perimeter, which takes the best part of an hour if you're not dawdling, though plenty of people do exactly that.

It's free to access and works brilliantly as a break between other activities. Birdwatchers will find it worthwhile - herons, grebes, the usual waterfowl suspects. Families won't be bored for long though; there's no playground or café to anchor the visit, so don't expect kids to stay entertained beyond a walk and a look. The real appeal is for walkers who want something low-key, or anyone after a quiet spot to sit and think.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Bawtry just five miles away has excellent reviews - you could easily combine Daneshill with a broader ramble through the area. The walk itself is flat and accessible, which counts for something. Go early in the day if you want solitude; the car park does fill up with dog walkers come mid-morning. Summer's the obvious choice, though autumn brings decent light for photography. It won't change your life, but it's a proper little respite from the road.