Dead Lake

The water at Dead Lake sits perfectly still, which is rather the point. This former industrial pit near Northwich has been left to its own devices for decades, and what you get now is something unexpectedly tranquil - a proper haven for birdwatchers and anyone after a quiet walk away from the town centre.

It's genuinely free to visit, though there are no facilities to speak of, so come prepared. The lake itself is ringed with paths that take you maybe twenty to thirty minutes to complete, depending on how often you stop to look at the wildlife. The water reflects whatever sky you get, which in Cheshire can range from grey to greyer, but on a decent day it's rather lovely. Kingfishers turn up regularly, and the reed beds attract all manner of water birds year-round.

You won't be queuing or fighting crowds here. That's the draw, really - it's the sort of place locals come to clear their heads, not somewhere to spend half a day. Kids might find it a bit slow unless they're genuinely into spotting birds or insects. History types will appreciate what it represents: post-industrial land reclaimed by nature, which around Northwich tells you something about the region's past in the salt and chemical works.

Holmston Hall just down the road is the better caravan park if you're staying locally, scoring well above average. Combine this walk with other green spaces in the area and you've got yourself a proper low-key Cheshire break.